Anyone ever to mailbox letters asking owner if they would sell?

[Adam L.]

So I just moved to a new town and have found a few desirable neighborhoods I'd love to live in for my primary residence. The problem is that homes NEVER turn over and it seems there's a lot of 'off-market' or pocket deals that never hit the MLS.

Curious, has anyone just blasted a neighborhood w/ letters asking if the owner would sell their house? Maybe write a nice letter describing my family and desire? Any success? Any services I could use to mail letters directly to a targeted neighborhood?