My guess is that its a lot less than a break-even for the bank and that they will have to discount substantially more to move this thing once it has an REO label on it but you cannot discuss logic with a bureaucrat.

So your options would be to use your own money for earnest and then get it back at closing as a line item on the settlement statement labeled "return of earnest money".  

The cards are all labeled "Return to Sender.  

The biggest killer for direct mail is the labeling that tells the owner it is an advertising vs. a serious business matter.

Right now I label myself as a hobby investor.

I might print out that list for a broker, like mailing labels and let them contact them.

Send a hand written letter to the owner of each property labeling you as a motivated seller, include the property address, and urge them to call you immediately to make you an offer.Number 3: Put no less than 27 bandit signs out for the property.

Meanwhile, the extent of the knowledge or experience most of these guys "teaching" have is their own "canned", white label program they bought from somebody who creates those things and resell under their brand. 

Here's the key ingredient: Low competition area.

Select the appropriate label.