Townhome vs Duplex

[Casey Blakely]

Hello fellow BP-ers!

I just realized that my entire real estate investing strategy might need a touch up, depending on the answers to these questions...

Is a townhome (where you own both sides/units) considered the same as a duplex and fall under the same guidelines as well?

Reason I ask is because I plan on purchasing a townhome (both units) and living on one side while I rent out the other. After some research I pretty much decided that an FHA loan would most likely be my best route. However, I'm concerned that an entire townhouse complex might be considered as two completely separate homes even though they are connected, and I wouldn't qualify for an FHA loan for essentially both units.

Please tell me I'm jus being paranoid! Just kidding, any honest feedback is always much appreciated!