How to Approach an Owner of a Vacant House About Buying

[Seth Murray]

I'm brand new to real estate. Found a vacant house that may be a good opportunity to buy, rehab and rent. I've found the owner's name and address (they live in another town) through the county online records. Any tips on what to say in a letter to an owner of such a property? Should I be upfront about my intent to renovate and use as a rental property (or other type of investment property) or just keep it a little more generic that I'm interested in buying it? Thanks!