I agree that a well written personalized letter does tend to resonate with many people, particularly older folks.And my SEO buddy here is also spot-on. 

That means you start with the lawyer.Second, I DO like Noorden's practice of telling the seller that he might assign the contract.

The latter sounds more attractive as it seems that it would decrease my costs and be a lot more practical from a logistical standpoint.Thanks again!

There is no podcast in the world that will take that first step for you.If you already have watched 3 podcasts on the topic you need to just stop and take action.If you seriously want someone to tell you exactly step by step what to do,I can do that for you.Get a (good) domain name.Get investor carrotSmack said domain name to the investor carrot website.make your website crediblework on SEOLearn how to do ARVsLearn how to do Cost Of Repairslearn/get into a motivated sellers head, and understand them (best way to do this is by just doing it. theory is very different than reality)Learn how to talk to a seller, negotiate and get contracts signed (best way to do this is by just doing it. theory is very different than reality)Drive traffic to your site (PPC, D4D, CC, DMM,...)Find a closing attorney, and get your contracts in orderSign contractFind buyers always, and sign your Assignment contractCloseRepeat until SEO kicks in.And that is truly it.

Just based on conversations I've had with others in the SD BP community, I don't believe that it is (though someone with practical experience, please correct me if I'm wrong).

I've never heard of SEO.

I highly recommend "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by NOLO because it's written by attorneys with tons of practical advice about marketing, screening, leases, breaking leases, security deposits, and more.

The answer is SEO.

I’ve also been running numbers on almost ever deal I see just to get the practice and experience.

People simply regurgitate this because they heard it from others over and over and over again.The absolute best way to get leads (other than SEO) is do to paid ads.