Direct Mailing to Property Owners

[Adam Martin]

So I've begun looking in my areas for homes that aren't listed for sale, but through looking at the tax records I can see the owner doesn't live at the address.  My plan is to write a letter to the owners introducing myself and basically inquiring whether or not they're interested in selling.  Does anyone have any pointers for writing something like this?  Do I be as direct as possible and let them know I'm beginning a real estate business and I was wondering if they'd be interested in selling their house, or try to build some kind of rapport with a total stranger?  Any advice would be great.