Low Inventory Mutli Family Market, Finding First Deal

[Josh Cocker]

Hi All, New here! I am originally from UK and after 6 years I now qualify for funding and I am wanting to house hack a multi family (seems like a cheat code as it isn't an option on a residential mortgage in the UK) but the issue i am finding is the low inventory in my area (6 listings within 20 mile radius of Danville VA) and nothing that i think i can make cashflow well / or seems like it would rent to a decent caliber of tenant.

Any advice for finding / approaching owners for off market deals? 

I thought about writing letters and posting through the letter box of the nicer small multi family i see, but i understand the owner likely doesn't live there.