Not only is the practice a good thing, but in some cases you can use the mixed calls to start building a relationship and start guiding the conversations towards a deal.500 letters to absentee owners is a good start! 

Be sure to check out “Learn” for all kinds of useful resources and free how to guides.

Here are some recommendations for you:Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/ If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

I found Bigger Pockets from their Kindle Book, The Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Investing. 

Fill in the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Fill in the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

He is a contractor who does sub work for high end custom homes here (his primary trade is finish carpentry) though he can do the gamut of tile, drywall, siding etc)  I'm also capable of a lot of this work though I work better assisting someone else, some I can take the lead.  

Fill in the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

so I'm not normally good at these kinds of things. so I'm going to pull some things from the how to introduce yourself guide.

You can start with the course on the Ultimate Beginner's Guide.