[fest]

Taking on new customers when existing ones are sufficient is risky for developers as well. I myself only take on new projects from customers I haven't been working previously only under three circumstances: 1) I'm running low on my reserves.

2) The project is really interesting for me.

3) Someone I know has referred me, and I have checked with referral that the person is worth to work with.

Based on my experience with vworker and odesk, in both of which I have been in both sides (customer and contractor)- there are good freelancers out there- finding them is tough though.

I would suggest choosing top 3 contestants and giving a days worth of work to all of them- then continue to work with best performer.