Trying to buy from an out of town owner......Advice!

[Andrew Edwards]

Does anyone have any advice or previous experience with buying from out of town owners that are not super eager to sell?  I believe several people in my area have attempted to buy this house, with no sucess.  What is a good way to set yourself apart from other buyers.  It is in a good area but the house is going down hill fast... From what I have been able to find out the owner lives out of state and this was his mothers house..  It has been vacant for a while and needs a good bit of work.  I was able to find his address but no phone number or email... I sent a letter.. but have heard no response...

I was also able to find out after after i sent the letter that his house in the other state was being forclosed on.... so I really have no way of even know if he received the letter...