But let's just say 80% of them were fabricated, 15% of them were way over dramatized due to taking a close up of a minor blemish and making it look big.  

And the random vandalism and killing is a little dramatic.

Fortunately the real estate market cycle is pretty clear and California follows a dramatic upturn and downturns.So my next move will be moving a large amount of investment into California once the next downturn occurs.Selling 4 of my out of state (outside of California) properties  - one this year and 3 next year.   

The area around my apartments seems nice, but it can change dramatically within a few blocks.  

@Bruce Faulk due to the dramatic increase in real estate prices the last several years, it's extremely difficult to cashflow with a 20-25% down mortgage on a rental property that's Class A, or even Class B.Class C seems to be even challenging in the high cost states like NY and CA.The biggest challenge is understanding that 99% of the properties listed on the MLS are not deals at their listed prices.

I own 16 units and have to keep a very large sum in the bank to show reserves every time I try to purchase or refi properties which has slowed me down dramatically.

Each of these variables will dramatically change the advice for the individual asking this question.

In the last few weeks, that's changed dramatically, and many more agents are doing them.

So for 85 calls that's probably 5000 or more letters....Yes, in fact, this varies - pretty dramatically - in different areas of the country (send 1,000 letters in LA and prepare for maybe 3 calls, certainly not 10).  

If you study marketing and search for the why and look at how its done on purpose then implement it into your business your see dramatic results.