Help with Short Sale possibility

[Shane Woods]

Ok, based on my thoughts and some good recommendations here, I'm pursuing a short sale on a property I intend to purchase for my personal residence with USDA loan.

I saw the vacant property, talked to the neighbors (homeowners left house vacant months ago), contacted BofA (listed on the window posting) and they told me the house has not gone into foreclosure yet, that I need to contact the owners directly if I'm interested in the house.

Ok so I found a new address for one of the homeowners in West Texas, and plan on sending them a letter. What goes in the letter? And if they call me, how do I sell them on doing a short sale to get out from under the house?

Can't find a home phone number, they prob don't have one. Should I pay for skip trace or other method to try and track down a cell # or email address?

Thanks as always! I eagerly await your assistance.