Write targeted letters yourself saying you own and live in a multi in the area and are looking to expand.

There are some markets that will write both together and if affordable, that would the way I would recommend going.   

Before listing it on an STR platform, I need to make some improvements to my current home.How can I maximize tax write-offs for these improvements?

As Judge Judy says, "if it's not in writing then it didn't happen!" 

That said, hiring lawyers to write contracts, background and credit checks on strangers that already look nefarious may just add to the stress that we're trying to get rid of.

I'm a more seasoned investor so I won't just write off the appraisal. 

Originally posted by @Mike Miller:I got my license to write my own offers on my own rental properties I buy. 

If I liked to travel I’d be writing this from one of those year long around the world cruises. 

Writing them down turns your ideas into tangible objectives you can work toward.

Write as yourself, not a company, and tell them you are trying to buy your first property in your own backyard and would love to have a conversation whether they want to sell or not (they probably know someone else).