Ask HN: Why is it so hard finding a Freelancer?

I was in the same shoe as you. As other says, you have to state clearly what you want, for example, if there is a similar website already exist and you want to build something that is 90% the same, then say, I want to build a marketplace like ebay. Then people have ideas on your project.

Also, if possible, never ask for estimate on your first inquiries. Why? Because the freelancers do not have the complete details from you and can not provide estimate on something that is unclear.

You should try to gauge their interests first.

For example: I saw your profile at github and I have a project that I think it may interest you. It seems like you have interests in AI, and I have just a thought of building something...

How you are going to fish if you don't have the right bait?

by the way, there is nothing wrong in hiring freelancers on elance or desk. In fact, if you have limited budget, you can try build a prototype from hiring at elance/odesk. True, once you post at elance, you will get many garbage. Be sure to weed down the garbage, and ask them questions to truly gauge their interests. "why are you interested in this project?" show me some projects that you have done in the past that are similar to my idea. Interview them.