Contractor currently charges % on total spent which gives him no motivation to keep bids low or fight for better deals with subs/suppliers.

Look up my phone number on BP and call or text.

Will these be motivated leads or simply contact information of sellers who are "considering" on selling? 

I joined BP for networking, education, and motivation.

I figure I have a few months before I'm ready to buy and so that gives me the perfect amount of time to start finding those realtors, contractors, and brokers that will email and text with me and ultimately become my go to people.

There is a good thinker that says the neighberhood can be as important as the quality of the property that your investing in as far as value goes.Take advantage of people are more motivated and are willing to help people close.  

Here is the text that maters in your situation DEFINITIONS OF WORKING RELATIONSHIPSFor purposes of this document, seller also means “landlord” (which includes sublandlord) and buyer also means “tenant” (which includes subtenant).Seller’s Agent: A seller’s agent (or listing agent) works solely on behalf of the seller to promote the interests of the seller with the utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity.

Start with a basic real estate text book, or a basic real estate course at a local college or through a Realtor's Association.  

I am a wholesale investor in the Houston market, I have been doing direct mail to get motivated seller leads, but I am not having a lot of response.

Someone that already works as an hourly subcontractor or maitenance person will probably be able to offer the best value if they are motivated.