Ideas for Simply Locating Local Multifamilies

[Andrew Ramos]

I, like many buyers in this market, am having a hard time securing a deal that cash flows through the MLS. So, I'm looking for ideas on simply how to find small multi-family properties that exist in a given area. Part of the reason I bring this topic to you is frustration of missing this property that sold about a month ago. https://www.redfin.com/MI/Whit...  I would happily pay above its sold price tomorrow, given some assumptions.  It was listed incorrectly as a single family home which didn't help my case.  

My question is this: If this property wasn't listed, how could I ever find that it exists? It's a duplex just 5 miles from where I live, that is nestled behind some trees in a rural area.  Is there any way to discover multi-family properties that exist outside of for sale or for rent listings and happening upon one and seeing 2 doors and 2 addresses or apartment numbers? I'd be happy to dig through documents or do some other kind of leg work. I just don't know of anything that indicates more than one unit in a residential building.  If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears!