Direct mail: What list would typically generate the highest response rate?

[Chris Oshea]

I'm thinking that I might do best if I purchase a mailing list. I've tried (on a small scale) mailing to the owners of properties I've driven by that look run down or abandoned with so-so success (4 calls from 73 letters, 1 is thinking about moving their elderly mother from the house and selling sooner rather than later, 1 is a realtor and is thinking about selling in the next year, 1 was a "vacation home" and would be willing to sell for $500k... 900sq/ft cabin by a pond, LOL, and one was just curious why I was contacting him).

I was thinking that probate records might be a good way to build my own list, but after much research it seems that probate deals tend to take a while after they're recorded and don't generate much response?

Would it be worth the money to buy a list of pre-NOD leads and mail to them? I'm on a tight budget, what direct mail lists typically generate the most response and uncover the most motivated sellers?

Thanks!
-Chris