Contacting multi-family owners

[Brad S.]

I'm interested in finding and purchasing multi-family rentals. My hope is that I can find either distressed property or properties where the owner is ready to retire. What is the best way to approach these owners? Should I send a personal typed/handwritten letter or should I go a more impersonal mass market postcard approach? Would it be creepy to call them using information from their rental registrations (if it's available) or other publicly available information?

I have a specific property that I'm interested in. It looks partially rented, in disrepair, and has back taxes due. He has several other properties that are in a similar state. The owner lives in my town and a quick internet search shows that he plays basketball with my neighbor. How would you approach this?