They could only loan 60% ARV (if I remember the % correctly).

E.th. you mention in the post is correct. 

@Anthony Angotti Correct!

If you buy it too low, in some jurisdictions they will call it "equity skimming" which is illegal.It can be very profitable, I've done many, but you really need to know what you are doing. on pre foreclosures on the West coast if you happen to do them legally .. the old owner is due 80% of the profit if you sell within 36 months.. so there is that.. but if your buying pre foreclosure for long term hold and wait out the 36 months then your fine. the reality these days is post GFC lenders/ banks/ servicers have realize that working with the buyer to reinstate recast redo the loans is far better than taking it all the way to foreclosure so your correct its usually the worse houses that make it all the way to the end and go to sale.thats why if you follow NODs  Notice of defaults or whatever they are call in your state. you see so many postponements and or removed or paid off etc.. so you hone in on one property do all this work only to have it not go  to sale  rarely are you going to buy a home that you really want LOL

Correct, the idea would be to owner-occupy one of the units (I’m looking at 2-4 unit options).

They tend to cash flow really well ;) @Nathan Gesner is correct, however.

I also had a state corrections officer that was similar.

@Kyle Cross, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think maybe what you're getting at is potentially pitching to your parents that you would like to take a shot at personally managing the units to gain experience and some form of compensation.

What do you do to ensure that the tenant is responsible for security deposit disputes since that is the largest reason for owner lawsuitsHow familiar are you with the newly changed laws that can affect you the owner if they are not used correctly?.

They will not finance new construction correct?