The example that comes most readily to mind is natural disasters, like Hurricane Katrina for investors in New Orleans.

With this in mind, is it better to say I am interested in purchasing the house and then risk be ignored if they aren't interested, or simply say I wish to speak with them concerning a matter on the  house, for example, so they would need to call to find out what the issue is, and I can remove them from future efforts if they aren't interested?

Needless to say, with a lot of determination, much muttering under my breath, and a lot of "what the heck were you thinking" comments running through my mind, I managed to pull it off.  

Keep in mind I talk to the neighbors and found out he is a slumlord and had tenants living in not so good conditions.

Teaming up with a good Commercial PM (@Joel Owens   comes to mind), I am sure he will appreciate the 'hands off' returns.

She mentioned the need to get rid of a lot of her junk in the garage some of those she had no idea what they are...I offered to help her look and sort through the garage one weekend, and threw out the idea of helping her host a garage sale to thin out her things.In the back of my mind I am thinking about talking to her about buying the property. 

This is an area where I am entirely green so I'm glad someone could give me some of the facts especially given the fact that Dodd-Frank hadn't even crossed my mind! I

Wife says no, but I can tell she is debating it in her mind, I would like to do it to try and help start/continue developing the area.  

@Mindy Jensen Thank you for your advice will definitely check out the podcast :) 

As far as a formal letter goes, the only time we issue a formal letter of denial is if the denial was credit based.Also something else to keep in mind is if you have an income requirement (hopefully everyone does!)