I think the value of contacts and credibility should not be underestimated. On both ends, really. You have to trust your investors as much as they have to trust you, especially if you don't retain 51%.
YC has a lot more credibility than most other entities when it comes to choosing the right startup or the right investor. I would be significantly more likely to accept an investor who was introduced to me by pg.
The essays I've been writing about startups are going to be such a book. Most of the general advice I could give about investors, particularly, I've already given, in e.g.