Direct Mail: Best options

[Wesley Mullen]

Hi Everyone, 

I've been dormant both online and in the RE game since we (my partners & I) got our first property up and running last year. With the new year, I'm trying to be more aggressive, active, and assertive both in both areas. Thus, I've spent time searching for and document absentee owners. I am planning on sending direct mail letters and was wondering what everyone thought about the best format. 

So far I have a list of 50, but that will grow. I was going to hand write each letter, but then got to thinking about handwriting one, and then copying it (of course hand writing the addressee/addresses). Or is it fine just to type the letters up and print them out? Not sure if it's better to come off personal or professional? 

Next, is it best to be short and too the point - i.e. I want to buy your house. Or more personal with brief background of who we are to add that personal touch? 

I'm not expecting to get much in results, esp in this first wave. But I'm curious what has worked for people in recent times? I've listened to the BP podcasts in the early days which talked some about Direct Mail, but I'm still in the 130s (so 2014/2015), so wasn't sure what today's standards are. 

Any recommendations or personal stories of success/failure would be appreciated!

-Wes