I got the numbers from the previous owner who has been running it as an Airbnb.  

I got a hold of the owner by looking up his information on the county website.

Live in one unit - It's a great strategy when using a bank for financing as the down payment and interest rates are more favorable to owner occupants.  

California's SB 721, known as the Balcony Inspection Law, requires multifamily property owners to inspect exterior elevated elements (EEEs) like balconies and decks.

Alternatively, your sibling might use a 1031 exchange to defer taxes by reinvesting in like-kind properties, though this doesn't directly fund a primary residence.Other ideas include leveraging a HELOC on the rental properties for the down payment, taking out a 401(k) loan, structuring an owner-financed agreement, or a lease-to-own arrangement.

.: In a prior post from about 2 months ago, Kerry Malarkey and Nathan Gesner mentioned a small landlord is exempt from FHA requirements requiring the acceptance of emotional support & assistance animals if one of the following is true:"Owner-occupied buildings Properties with four units or fewer that are owned and lived in by the ownerSingle-family homes Homes that are sold or rented without a broker by the owner, as long as the owner doesn't own more than three at once" (Quote from Nathan's reply))https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/1219359-pitbu...Given this, if a landlord does qualify for the exemption, what exactly does this mean? 

The owner is open to seller finance for us.

The owners at the time were directed to our Real Estate agent and she showed us the property as it was a good investment opportunity.How did you finance this deal?

So the added cashflow to property owners it they are willing to become the developer and increase density that tactic could help more owners stay than could otherwise afford to stay. 

But for many people, it is one of a number of sources of deal flow, to add to MLS listings, wholesalers, direct owner outreach, auction, etc.Assuming you are specifically talking about sheriff auctions, just make sure you familiarize yourself with the general procedures for the auction.