If you have already done research, your odds of admission are far better, and I recommend describing it in some detail in your application. After research experience, letters of recommendation are weighted most heavily, then grades. Also, let us know if you've contributed to any significant software product or freeware. General GRE scores are mandatory. This is a campus-wide requirement, which we are powerless to waive.
Most faculty receive a large amount of email regarding admissions.
An email contact will not persuade a faculty member to pursue an application. If you are accepted, we will contact you about this. For M.S. students, funding depends on the circumstances of the student, and Berkeley will discuss this with you after you have been accepted. Most Ph.D. students can count on being funded for their entire stay at Berkeley. You will almost certainly not need student loans.