I am about to jump into the "pool" of direct mail marketers...yup, as the distressed property owner sorts through his mail, over the trash can looking for utility bills....and throws away all those yellow letters etc....I'm actually going to spend some hard earned money to be one of those letters....with the hope that someone on my mail list chooses to open the letter, or read the postcard and call me to see if I can help them out of their financial situation.I've asked a lot of questions....watched videos....read articles...and given it a lot of thought.I need a list that I can mail to on a consistent basis..I'm thinking once a month for six months...then move on to a new list.The criteria I plan to use:single family and multi family propertiesowned for at least 10 yearshave a trustees sale notice recorded within the last three monthsMaricopa CountyIs this a perfect list?

Keeping in mind marketing and sales is under utilized skill in this business.

Having a license in my mind and utilizing it is a Huge advantage and I think most investor are nuts not to have one.

An estate property vacant for 2 years, with all utilities on, seemed like a good candidate. 

Also checking to see what properties have utilities off is a good start as well. 

Tenants pay all utilities.

A rental is considered to be an income producing property, so the house could then be sold utilizing all the normal and regular capital gains tax rules.

I especially utilize this strategy in gentrifying areas where prices are going up.

I was going to name my LLC that I use for my fix and flips "Flipping Cleveland" as those of us that have called this gem of a city home have said variations of this over the years in regards to our local governments and/or sports teams... ok, mostly our football team... and the baseball team since the early 2000's... and our basketball team sans LeBron... 

Expense/Net SheetMonthly Income $7,070.00Monthly Expense Utility $190.00Lawn Care/Snow Removal $25.00Trash Removal $67.00Advertising $0.00 Craigslist and signage in yardInsurance $235.00Odd/End Repairs $75.00Total $592.00Yearly Annual Income $84,840.00Yearly Annual Expense $7,104.00Property 2014 Taxes $14,844.46Yearly Profit $62,891.54Unit Bedroom Bath Stove Fridge Dishwasher Microwave Washer Dryer409 #1 2 1 Y Y N N N N Y 2008 2001 2002409 #2 2 1 Y Y N N N N Y 2008 2001 2002409 #3 2 1 Y Y N N N N Y 2008 2001 2002409 #4 2 1 Y Y N N N N Y 2008 2001 2002401 3 2 Y Y Y N Y Y N 1997 1997 1997403 3 2 Y Y Y Y Y Y N 1997 1997 1997405 3 2 Y Y Y Y Y Y N 1997 1997 1997407 3 2 Y Y Y N Y Y N 1997 1997 1997Garage and Common Area Electric is paid for by Landlord *I assume this is the $190 / month utility figure listed in the monthly expenses.*$208/quarter for dumpster *I'm not sure if trash collection is this or if we have to add another $70 per month for the dumpster.