They are quite willing to lend for a "cottage" or a "second home" in US.

Going to my first viewing next week to see a duplex with a cottage in the back.

The property has a 3/1 block main house with a 1 car carport and a 2/1 block cottage house in the back yard with it's own carport and potential separate alley entrance. 

There will be a small cottage built onto the property as well, I'm still waiting for the plans on that so don't have the exact sqft on it just yet.

I can't save like I used to when I was single because my wife will get mad if we eat mac and cheese everyday.

Other ways to add value: Airbnb / STR part of the property, add a bedroom or more (but don't rehab the whole structure, add a basement ADU or backyard cottage (DADU), do a lot split, do an addition (we have an abbreviated permit process in Seattle for many additions under 700-ish sq ft)Off market deals are definitely worth exploring, but its also worth calling out that there are plenty of pros out there that spend 100% of their time hounding for these deals.

That has stayed in the box and I do not see putting it out for cheese and crackers for company....

@An Ho we're on our first househack, and as a family with a little one as well we've always prefered more residential, Single Family homes with basement ADU's and/or backyard cottage DADU rental units.

I can't save like I used to when I was single because my wife will get mad if we eat mac and cheese everyday.

Or build a good creative deal, such as cottages, single level!!.