If you buy lists make sure they flag do not call numbers so that you limit your contact to snail mail only.Email is pretty ineffective as it will usually get automatically moved by email software into a spam folder and you won't even get their eyeballs.If you have appetite to throw rehab into the mix (either flip or BRRRR) you can add Driving for Dollars. 

Due to unfavorable landlord-tenant laws as well as a crazy market driving properties up.

Driving around in neighborhoods you are looking to invest in ("driving for dollars") can help you find deals, as well.If you want to bounce any ideas off me or anything, feel free to shoot me a message!

It drive me nuts when a successful person is being interviewed TV, Radio, Podcast whatever and the interview ask something like "what's your prediction about xyz?"

Additionally, from the tenants perspective, Option 2 sounds better than having to drive to a laundromat haha.Good luck!

Off market could be door knocking, direct mail, driving for dollars, wholesalers, etc.

Propstream is a great web-based software that provides lists with property owners names and information.

However I would spend 10x more effort, time and money on driving traffic to said website than the site itself. 

Your role as the wholesaler now would be to find the property that makes sense for you and your friend.You can find off-market deals by driving for dollars (physically or virtually on Maps) or purchasing lists of distressed properties.

My goal was to go Driving For Dollars and get a list of 400 vacant/distressed properties.