If you do a little bit of searching on the BP site, you can find some examples of how to word the letter, or the general tone you should try with your message.Listen to the podcasts, there are quite a few about marketing and how to talk to sellers who might be motivated.I would caution against rushing anything, but certainly get used to doing "homework" on properties of interest that you find.The method you are describing is called driving-for-dollars, so do a search for that to see how other people have approached this method and what they say has worked best for them.Good luck in your research!

This house is on septic and my thinking is that it might save me from a potential plumbing problem in the future.

Use the methods you described and you will find something that makes sense.  

Just whatever method you use, make sure you stay on it and not take brakes from your deal finding.

How can I go about finding a new one, that can do handyman work (minor plumbing issues, basic repairs, clean up etc).  

Depending on your method for building a buyers list you may find out of 10 prospective buyers you only get a good solid response from 2 or 3. 

If you use this method you will have a really good shot at finding out the individuality you'll need to find.  

My girlfriend and I put an offer in for a duplex in Highland Park Richmond for $10k below asking ($95k to 85k), seller pay closing. 2009 the roof was redone, all new plumbing, electrical, mechanical, the permits are all completed and approved.

Has anyone tried this method?

My last house in FLorida was "uninsurable" because of old plumbing but I found an insurance provider who gave me a month because she didn't have to send pictures to the company for a month.