I agree with Laura, if this is a long term rental it would be hard to convince the tenants that they have cameras on the property that the owner controls even with all the stuff that you mentioned (does not turn, only for surveillance for crimes etc.). 

Hi, I am a newbie investor who is playing the slow game in buying a primary, rehabbing, then turning into a rental or selling every 2 years.

This casual conversation turned into a unique opportunity, allowing me to connect directly with the owner and negotiate a fair deal before it officially hit the market.

Of course there are plenty of turn key providers that suggest folks buy in the roughest areas no crime in that but 15 to 20% caps which is what he spouts constantly with no acknowledgement that he is really selling these properties ..

If values of real properties continue their long term increases, then owning more property even if it means having paid higher prices will turn out to be a winning strategy, provided the buyer is able to maintain ownership through periods of possible negative cash flow and or refinancing necessity. 

Although taxes and purchase price may be more with a multi family the fact that there are multiple units for rent tend to be much more income being produced.   

Moving your mom in might help with the FHA question, though FHA for multi-family typically requires you as the owner-occupant to live in the property.Keep me posted would love to hear how everything turns out!

Deals come to you.Here is what a credible website that ranks #1 on Google produces.

A developer did a conversion where a high school was turned into 104 condo units.

When you start leveraging 90%+ especially with today's higher rates and the high cost of multifamily's compared to their rents, the numbers turn upside down real quick.