What do you generally write on mailers to reach out to the homeowners asking if they are looking to sell? 
I believe shorter the message is better, but also want to let them know we are a local family business and not...

Mailers will cost about 2-3k as well for either postcards or regular mail.Facebook ads will be much less so about 1-2k as well.If you have the funds to do so, I always suggest doing a solo trial run for any of the above, and then mix in SMS (super regulated right now) and cold calling (hit/miss).Once you have that setup, invest in a highly trained ISA (inside sales person) to take the inbound flow of leads and then you'll have a nice operation for your business.I have taken all the above and just partner with folks doing small to medium size volume.

Postcards sent to you local post office, so you can get the local postmark. 

Most of my deals are within 20 min, but I follow my clients and will go up to an hour - that's maybe 10% of my deals.There are postcards and there are letters.

Hello BP,I'm curious if I should continue to use a CRM or should I use a virtual assistant (VA) as well, I am currently using a 3 touch campaign with a CRM (Post Cards, Ringless VM & Email etc..) however, I've just discovered there are VAs out there that can do most of my wholesaling task (cold calling, comps, list building, negotiation etc..).

I am sending post cards, knocking on homes and scouring the MLS. 

I know cold calling and postcards have worked for some people  So far as I know driving for dollars can be effective, especially looking for those distressed properties in your local area and cold calling or leaving postcards like you mentioned.

., “drive for dollars, “sent out couple thousand postcards”, “bandit signs”, “mine MLS”, etc, ever do a deal, let alone set up a successful sustainable business. 

I am getting inundated with social media blasts and postcards from the airlines, cruise ships, and Disney offering substantially discounted trips.

I have sent postcards looking to buy contaminated properties without any luck .