How to cold call a duplex owner

[Blair Holbrook]

Are there reliable, non-scammy resources (e.g., public records or websites) we can use to find contact information for multiplex owners?

For context, I am newly married and we are expecting! We are NEARLY debt free from student debt and almost ready to make our first move. Our ideal home is a house-hack. I have found several properties in my neighborhood I love, but they are currently not on the market. I would love to (respectfully) approach the owners to see if they would be interested in selling. Follow-on questions would be whether this is a smart move? Could this be seen as unwanted solicitation?

(Also, I am new to BP. Please let me know if I've posted something against the cultural grain.)

Thank you!

[Steve Morris]

What city?  For non-professional, you need to look up property recordds which are public.

Hard way is go to county records and look them up one by one.  If you're luckier, in Portland, we have those on line, but not real great search tools besides address by address.

If you have a friend that can get you an account with a title company, better search tools and bit more info (like last sale and price).

Once you get owner, look up the phone. If it's an LLC, then go to the state registry. Make sure the agent is a principal and not PM or atty.

Then you can either write a letter stating your interest and wherewithal (ie I have the money and financing lined up) to show your gravitas.  Or better yet call.  Or if its a limited number or particular property knock on their door (at their home not the rental!!!)