I pick up short sale listings and contract properties by literally knocking on doors and talking to property owners who are confronting an upcoming foreclosure sale.

However, as soon as we find out we've found it effective to confront it ASAP.

Often times people, myself included, have all sorts of reasons their thoughts are not clearly expressed and may actually be received unprofessionally or confrontational.

If you stay confrontational, the odds you have heavy damage when your tenants vacate the property increases.good luck

They might confront you on why you keep hassling them which you can then extend an olive branch a little.

well couple things comes to mind..1. you have the ethics  and moral compass  your can let that guide you2. the natural greed in all of us will cause your moral compass to sway towards you I know it would with most.3. if you low ball too much they may call someone else and you lose the deal all together how did the lead come to you if it was direct mail or bandit sign you can be almost 1000% sure they will or have talked to others.. 4. and this is what I personally do when confronted with this situation..

Try to be non-confrontational and start a dialogue first. 

I also know that I'm very likely not going to be successful at getting this property, but I'm going to try anyway.Usually an seller already knows what the issues with the property are, and this can be unnecessarily confrontational.

He never did crack the pieces I mentioned because he was such a good salesman, I mean liar, I mean.. whatever.. that he could bluster his way through it if confronted by facts but essentially he fleshed it out with his "feelings".

If by chance this happens, it is best to not confront the beast but to keep your distance until the courts can set it free!