I may have found my first house hack in Westchester County NY

[Akwasi Degraft]

Hi BP,

I decided to finally take that step and actually look for a property to evaluate and house hack. 

Quick background. I live in Rockland County, NY area but I grew up in Yonkers, NY. I know the area well and stumbled upon a fairly run down duplex that I'm thinking I can fix up and rent out the other unit. 

Should I find pre approval loan before I call the number to ask about the property?

Does any one have any suggestions on what should be my first couple of steps?