There will be varying levels of precision, but it will help you understand where to focus both your time and your capital.

Where as the auctions the inventory comes to you in a nice precise manner with professional sellers who are motivated IE banks..

Just keep in mind unless you're exclusively using a single marketing method that there is absolutely no way to determine precisely that media/message's return numbers.

Spell out precisely how the offers should be submitted.  

To be entirely precise in my question, what have you guys seen to be the best type of marketing piece (and content) for elderly owner occupants? 

Foldvary points out that the cycle does not always function on a precise 18 year schedule, but - baring catastrophic events like a world war - for the most part the cycle should be right around 18 years.

Over time I can use historical data from each property to create a precise cash flow analysis, but in the beginning they are just assumptions.

This is precisely what I did when I got started. 

And I do not have ANY federal or state supported mortgage, precisely because of the current example!  

This way you won't be going after the wrong type of property.When you start to develop contacts with real buyers, they will tell you precisely what they are interested in, helping you narrow down your search.