Phone call vs. yellow letter

[Neal Collins]

When dealing with distressed properties with absentee landlords/investors, would you rather call them and tell them you've noticed their property and would like to purchase it, or would you rather send in a couple rounds of yellow letters and hope for the best?

Obviously this isn't a scenario where you are working a farm and trying to generate any potential lead, but a smaller, more hand selected approach. I prefer making the call, but lets assume the owner doesn't bite, is it then over? Phone call with a follow-up letter that leaves the door open perhaps?

Thanks in advance.