Off Market offer and house hack

[Seth Brown]

I am trying to find a small multi family building to house hack as i mentioned in a previous post. I have been checking zillow ect for a few months and the only ones i've found have found have been on market for +200 days. I did find a 4 plex but the condition wouldn't qualify for an FHA loan and it needed maybe more work than I have the cash for. I realize now they are listed that long for a reason. I have drove by a few places that have been listed for rent on zillow for a long time in the same area. What would be the best way to ask the owner if they'd be interested in selling? Is this a good use of time or am i wasting their time? My thoughts are, they missing rental income and maybe the thought of selling has crossed their mind.

I am pre approved and have the cash for a down payment. Rather than being reactive imI thought maybe being proactive would be a better game plan.