Any advice and tips is appreciated. 

Couple tips on them: Listen at 2x speed to get through more.

@Mark Nolan thank you for the tip - yes these key words are definitely doing the job of keeping me in the loop

I've taken over my fathers rental properties and need some insight on some money saving tips on upgrades....

(Click link for YouTube video!)

Your time here will be well spent.Since you expressed an interest in rentals, I added three links below for your review.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/27/financing-options-rental-property-guide/ (financing options for rentals)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

What are some good tips to get the conversation rolling during a cold call?

You will network with people who offer tips on refinancing, good books, effective classes, ect.

Tip: midgrade and durable wins the race unless you have a very high end rental in my view...

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?