Etiquette during showing?

[Brett Russell]

I'm going to look at 2 small multifamily properties with my agent tomorrow and wondering for tip/tricks/etiquette info. When I bought my primary residence, it was almost empty and it was just me and my agent. For this, they have tenants in place and the owner may or may not be there too.

Obviously it would seem fair game to talk with the current owner, try to learn their motivation and needs/wants, but what about the tenants? Can/should I talk with them? Ask about why they live there, what the issues are, what they'd like to see changed?

And what about the issue of trying to do reasonable inspection to get an idea of the condition of the property and what work might be needed without invading the tenants' space? Can you open closets, drawers, cabinets etc?

Thanks in advance.