Should I try to talk to homeowner that is getting foreclosed on?

[Valeriy S.]

My market (Charlotte, NC) is flooded with the "We Buy Houses" signs. 

My question to anyone who has the experience, is it advisable to go visit the homeowners directly and offer to "buy them out" of the mortgage so they can avoid foreclosure? 

Or is it better to stick to mailings and signs?

I have several properties in question that I want to go try to start a dialogue with the homeowners. Any suggestions/tips on conversation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Bogdan Cirlig]

Definitely, but be gentle, they're already distressed, don't look like a share who smelled blood. Assume you're also not the first to "harass" them. Also, in some states, when you ring that doorbell, step to the side :).

As strategy you should try to "bail them out". If you want that house for REI purposes, they might even become your renters after a short sale.