How to buy residential MF as an owner-occupied property?

[Mike Hoherchak]

Hi all!

So I'm looking to purchase a 3 or 4 plex as a house hack. Unless I can get the sellers to take back financing my plan is to use my VA loan to purchase. I've heard from many people to never let the tenants know you're the owner for various reasons.

So, for those of you who have house-hacked, how have you done your inspections and other due-diligence without letting the current tenants know you are planning on buying and living in the same property?

Thanks in advance for your input!

[Jessica Stevenson]

@Mike Hoherchak - 

I agree with @Johann Jells .  I know of an investor who lives in his building and the tenants don't know he is the owner, but it is a much larger building that a property management company handles, so he can get away with flying under the radar like that.  In the case of a 3/4 plex, I think that the personal touch of you actually caring about the property will help to increase your tenant's pride of ownership as well.