Best way to contact seller next door

[Page Huyette]

I'm looking into a four-plex in a great part of town that is broker advertised as a tear down, and the price more or less reflects it. I've gotten some general background info from a friend who lives on the block, including the fact that the owner lives next door to the property and originally intended to remodel it and re-rent after purchase.

Friend thinks the property has been vacant for years. Purchasing at current asking would allow great cash flow even with putting $ into it.

What 's the best way to contact a seller like this? Letter? If a letter, what would you say?

I'm told he's an "odd hermit" but would like to get more info on his story and the property.