Not directly in the city.

Since you have a lot of broad questions, it sounds like you're looking for some direction.

How should I approach the owner directly before the property forecloses?

I like to go one step further when I mail to an LLC & go to the state corporation site and look up the owner's name and address and mail directly to them so that it's more personal.my rule of thumb when mailing to anyone not titled personally is to limit the mail to those properties that I have a real interest in and not a blanket mailer.

I have my father's 30 year old contracting company at my disposal, I work directly with an in house mortgage lender at my office as well as a property management company (which I would primarily use on a consulting only basis to begin with) and I have 2-3 options for creatively financing my first few deals. 

I understand I am obligated to direct them to their nearest attorney to draw up the note, etc.

Then start reaching out to owners directly.

I am evaluating if it would make sense for me to move my 401k into a self directed IRA and use it to invest in a turn key property.

Also let's chat and see which direction we can go.Glad to finally see some more newbie investors in the Jax area, we started to look a little empty lol.

Feel free to introduce yourself on the forum or send me a direct message.