Using FHA loan to househack in a small multiplex?

[Cameron Fielding]

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone could share recent experience / expertise in using an FHA loan to house-hack multiplexes in FL?

I found this quote from several years ago:

Originally posted by @Mathew Aron:

I just spoke with someone at amerisave.com about financing a four plex with an FHA loan, but it didn't go so well. I did the personalized search to get my interest rate quote inputting a bunch of info including "primary residence" and "4 unit property." When the guy at amerisave called me, he said my loan would be an "owner-occupied investment property" because I'm collecting rent. Although I haven't heard that term before, I didn't have a problem with it until he changed my search criteria from "primary residence" to "investment property." Unsurprisingly, what came up is a higher interest rate and a necessary 25% down payment. I tried explaining that the property would be a primary residence for me (despite collecting rent from the other units), but he said it's not.

Is this info accurate and up-to-date for tri's / quad's? 

If so, do they calculate based on units, or based on % occupied? For example, would it be plausible to finance an owner-occupied SFH with a detached multiplex in the back?