Advice - Small Apartment building in Minnesota

[Kyle Nelson]

Hello all, in doing some of my initial research on rental opportunities, I found a couple of apartment buildings in the area that are not for sale but I am interested in buying. However, I am not sure how to approach the current owner.  The buildings have not had a face lift in about 20 years and look a little distressed.  I know they are not being run as efficiently as they could be so I see a lot of potential here.  The problem I face is that after doing some research on the county records, I came to find out the buildings are owned by a corporation. 

How do you know who to contact at said corporation to see if they are willing to part ways with the building?  Is it better to go direct mail or phone call? Do you go straight for the owner of the company or do you start with the secretary and work your way up through the various personnel?   Do you go direct and say "Hey, I am interested in purchasing this building from you, are you interested in selling?" or do you get to know them a little bit and work your way into it?  

As always, any opinions, experience, or insight on this would be helpful.