FHA Loan Co-borrower Rules

[Michael Ford]

I am looking to buy a rental property in the near future but do not have the necessary funds for a 25% down payment at the moment. I have a family member who may be interested in co-borrowing on an FHA loan with me and living there for a few years and then dropping off the loan when he moves out (I would allow him to live there for free during this time). It is a 4 bedroom duplex that I am looking at, I am hoping we can have 3 other friends move in and pay rent. Am I allowed to assume the full FHA loan of the house at that time even if I never occupied the property?