I've been thinking about a similar route of starting with a 4 unit place (on top of my existing SFH rental) and attempting to upgrade to a bigger place with those profits.

I lived in Dr Phillips for 5 years, but it has been about 7 years since living there and I’m attempting to shop from the north.

You search the county tax records and find the property owners on record, but it is obvious they are not living there (due to the house being empty)Question 2: In attempt to be as budget minded as possible, and not assume letters/cards are getting to their intended audience, is there a better way to find out current addresses for owners? 

However, you can always contact the renters and attempt to negotiate an early termination.

I am attempting to house hack and move into a duplex to reduce our out of pocket per month.

Again, I'm ok with this, just sharing my attempt to get another year lease signed to avoid the hassle during the continuing pandemic. 

Really what you are attempting to do is have the folks who already know you, use you.

@Eric KullingLenders shoot themselves in the foot by not understanding or attempting to understand this loan.

They were attempting to get back payment assistance but would leave (hopefully) before that would be processed in a couple months.

We even agreed to pay him for work that was attempted and not completed.