Ever write a letter to an owner?

[Timothy Frazier]

Have two properties I have been trying to chase down for awhile.

One is a house that was badly damaged in a fire in 2015. Sadly the owners were older and the wife was very sick and did not make it out. Husband was not home at the time, he simply moved in with his kids and has not touched it since. As you may expect property condition has diminished significantly and several neighbors have resorted to calling the city on a regular basis to try to get it condemned. I am confident I know his new address but all skip trace apps have come up empty as far as a phone number.

Other one is a foreclosure which they have been fighting on and off since 2017. Was scheduled to go at auction in October (my county does them once a month) but got postponed to next month. I won’t go into the entire story I researched but they aren’t coming up with the money. Husband and wife are both on the deed and are both still living there with their 3 kids, property looks to be well kept. Sadly she’s in some pretty serious legal trouble with bad checks on top of some other charges she was involved with a couple years ago. Again skip trace app just can’t get me the right number.

My question was I did not want to knock on either owners door directly and confront them about a potential sale. It just is too abrupt for me. I got no problem talking with the neighbors which I have done but nobody can give me a phone number. Has anyone ever tried writing a letter and mailing it? Just a quick note explaining who I am and that I’d like to buy the property, leave contact info, etc.

Any and all input appreciated. Thanks.