Am I wasting my time targeting vacant properties?

[Steven McPherson]

I have targeted vacant homes for a couple of years now.  I have had much success finding many vacant homes, tracking down the owner and then ultimately making contact.  The part that I haven't had success with: convincing them to sell.  It seems nobody is willing to sell their property, despite it being vacant for several years and the owner continuing to pay property taxes.  They typically don't even bother to hear an offer.

I'm not sure if it is emotional attachment, not wanting to deal with the process of selling or what, but for some reason, people simply refuse to sell.

Any advice?  Has anybody had success with buying homes in this situation?