Deter your competition; personalize your offer by writing a letter to the owner introducing your self and what you like about their home, why it would be the perfect fit for your family.

Or, first have an attorney write them a nice letter informing them that court will happen if they don't work with you.

are postcards or letters better to mail?

I’d like to begin contacting some to secure financing/pre-approval letter for this potential property and I have a 10-page .pdf proposal ready to go for this property containing the financials/our experience/comps/pics all detailed for the HML.

A favorable private letter ruling was issued a few years ago but there has been litle  structural guidance on process.  

I just got yet another letter from an "investor" in my area asking if I plan to sell my home since I am my Dad's Personal Representative.

i...FHA letters: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?

At some point you will want to get out and network with people outside of the digital environment, and these are a good place to start.Good luck,Andy

I recently acquired a list of 300 absentee owner i will send letters to.

Letter arrived from a local real estate brokerage, addressed to "occupant" and "helpfully" advising her of her rights and offering to assist in exercising her Council given rights!