Can I buy multiple properties under one mortgage?

[Therese V.]

The area I am interested in buying has SFH that are $50k and less. I have heard on here that those are considered really small loans and some banks won't give a mortgage on them.
We have $30k to use this year to start investing. Because of this, I thought perhaps I can get a few homes and have them operate under one mortgage. Is this possible? Is there a name for it?

Of course, the other idea is to just buy a multi-family property. I can find multi-family properties in the area for $150k or less.

This would be our first rental property and I just want to analyze what the best course of action to take is.
Any tips/advice appreciated!