What should I say to distressed property owners on initial contact ?

What are the most important points to cover ?

•why ?
• how much do you want ?
• when would you like to close by ?
• are you the property owne...

Will recommend the book to all newbies, as it contains great motivation and strategies.

@Wendy Carbone @Krista Billiter @Rhonda Blue @Dave DeMarinis If any of you are willing to talk more with someone new (but highly motivated to learn), I would truly love to get in touch.

Good luck, and keep up the motivation, it's not an easy task that you have set out before you. 

You may even find a mentor that's willing to teach you the ropes, find deals, or partner on deals.I also recommend reading some of the top books to get a strong foundation of knowledge and then use the forums, podcasts, and blogs to refine your knowledge and keep you motivated.

I've started searching for motivated sellers by driving for dollars and searching real estate for rent and FSBO on Craigslist.

He's looking to move in the spring (unless he's motivated otherwise) and I'm sure he'd be interested in a less complicated exchange, with less effort and outlay of cash for him to "prep for sale".Help and suggestions would be appreciated. 

One thing nobody likes is to waste time and I'd want to know upfront.Not saying this is you, but just to share -- I've had a few potential clients in the past who have gone as far as to get their pre-approval, through my lender referral, start sending me properties (and vice versa), only to then dodge phone calls, emails, text messages, etc. leaving me wasting my time and effort for someone who isn't motivated. 

Seller has dropped $15k from their asking price and property has been on the market for awhile and motivated to sell. 

Someone you know knows someone who is motivated.