What parts are you after?
As you say, most peeps are Internet based so you'll have to do your research online and go from there.
Try and get to a local meet or a Dyno Day and have a good look at others cars, having a passenger ride in a few (if you can, most peeps are very friendly) and it will give you an idea of what mods you like, ie which exhaust and intake (sound), which wheels look the best, what ride height looks good etc etc etc.