With this type of market your investment will get in the way of obvious appreciation. 

2) Our brand is recognized by "X" agency for your type of home!

What markets and what property type(s) would you look into first?

Type of a short letter, deliver it by hand, and move forward.

@Jennifer StammbergerWhat type of businesses do you want to cold call, and what is your angle specifically?

Maybe they've been burned by landlords in the past and are being very careful.You can legally reject them based on personality, facial tattoos, body odor, or other factors, but you better make sure you can prove that it wasn't based on any protected class like race, religion, familial status, etc.

Neighborhoods to invest in is a more subjective topic as that is often dependent on the type of investment you're interested in, your price point and even the type of tenants, if that's the route your going,  that you are trying to attract.

And, that could take a good 6-12 month given the type of Property (large restaurant).

Find an architect who specializes in this type of work, and who is very familiar  with the building department

When you learn to partner with professionals who are well-versed in this segment, most distressed property transactions are quite straightforward.Myth 5: Distressed Properties Are Not Obtainable with FinancingThere is this perception that distressed properties are cash-type deals.