Contacting owner of off-market and expired listing

[Jesse M.]

I am looking for my first property to buy. There doesn't seem to be anything on the MLS that works for me at this time, so I've been driving around in the neighborhood I really like, and finding prospective properties.

Let me remind you that I'm a newb at this. Say I did find a property that I like, contacted the owner and found that they are interested in selling. Do I ask to walk through it? I would need to see the inside in order to make an offer. Should I ask to bring my real estate agent? She does know the value of most properties better than I do and could help me structure an educated offer. Lastly, does calling seem to be a better method than writing a letter to potential sellers?