How to I contact a distressed home

[Will Eagles]

So I have been driving my target area a lot on marking properties that are distressed and/or vacant that would be great to rehab. My question is how do I approach it from here? Mailer? Flyer? Phone call? I know calling or knocking is probably the last way since they may not like me asking to buy their house. Does anyone have a flyer template that seems to work well? Is that my best course of action?

[Walter Roby jr]

All the above. Hand written letters have been truly effective for me. 10% response rate. I use property radar to pull owner & house info although there are a number of sites for my market.

Dear Will,

I was in the neighborhood when I came across your house at 123 Main street. I want to pay CASH for your house in AS-IS condition. Please contact me ASAP at (xxx)xxx-xxxx. 

Thank you, Walt.  

PS I will pay all closing costs and can close quickly.

Cheers