I use a company that provides lists that seem pretty good (as measured by response rates), but it gets pretty expensive.And, to Arnold's point, there is a lot of competition with these lists.

Additionally, if you are in the right area, your competition is low due to the destroyed housing inventory.

The people behind this use the "catchy" email subject of "Learn How To Embarrass Your Competition - This Wednesday"Dear Investor, There's a dirty secret that other real estate professionals won't share with you.

You don't need to play them against each other, but let them know that this is a competitive bid.

There are a few exceptions - some of the marina developments are more competitive but bear in mind these can be like ghost towns out of season.

Court house properties in my area have way too much competition!

Or, just keep it all to yourself to avoid the competition!

I just wholesale estate properties because they are owned free and clear and there is not a lot of competition.

Remember it is a business and you need to be competitive.

You've got to know the competition.