Direct mail: lists and mailing to trusts?

[Dave Boswell]

Hi, I just recently joined bigger pockets. Man, this site is amazing .. wish I would have discovered it years ago. I have been house flipping for several years now in the Sacramento area. Mainly we have been doing short sales, and finding deals through the MLS and other business connections. Obviously the deals are drying up on the MLS these days so I've finally started my direct mail campaign and I have several questions.

First, my main list is high equity, absentee owners in my area. I would like to also get a list for vacant/substandard homes and recent landlords who went through evictions, but I'm finding these lists a lil tougher to get a hold of. The county says they don't have em. Any recommendation on how to get my hands on these lists for a reasonable price?

Second, what is the verdict on mailing to trusts? Is it worth sending a letter to family trusts, revoc, or irrevoc trusts?