FHA Financing Strategies - Owner Occupied Multi-Family

[Alex Ewing]

I'm new to investing but am excited to get started. 

I am exploring a strategy for multi family investing.  

I have many friends who are currently renting. What I would do is partner with one of these individuals to purchase a 4-family home. The partner would be an occupant of one of the units. We'd apply for FHA financing. I would provide cash for down payment / closing costs. I'd co-sign the loan. We'd own the property as tenants in common with me owning 75% of the property and she owning 25%. Hopefully the rents from the other 3 units would cover the mortgage/some repair costs.

The benefits for my partner would be a rent free apartment. Also, they'd get a piece of equity in the deal. I would benefit by having access to low down payment FHA financing. Also the occupant partner would be a de facto property manager.

I'm a first time investor.  The major hurdle for me is putting together 20+% for traditional financing.  I am looking for longer term investment goals (ie, have passive income for retirement 30 yrs from now). 

If anyone has ever done this type of deal, any insight would be greatly appreciated.