Occupancy rate, the location/neighborhood, condition of the property, crime rate of area, area rent rate (https://www.rentometer.com) , are you buying it under market value?

,A pre-occupancy walkthrough with an independent party (such as an attorney/notary) who will certify to the condition of the property and the occupancy status and also photograph the property on the date of occupancy is what you should do. 

you could buy as an owner occupant of 1 unit and utilize low downpayment owner occupant financing with great terms.Rent the other 3 out and live for free essentially allowing you to save for your next purchase!

I think 3-6 months of occupancy??  

And would that law only apply for owner occupants or absentee owners as well?

I do beleive that it has to be an occupancy by the owner loan.  

FNMA properties will eventually become available at homeopath.com and be available initially to owner occupants only

Occupancy is approximately 98% annually (I figured 5% vacancy in my calculations above).

I did a quick glance on the MLS and did not find 1 single owner occupant sell in the past 12 months within a mile of the house.  

But some places take a long time (6 to 12 months, if not more) to record the deed.If you do an O&E (Occupancy and Encumbrance) report you may get a more accurate answer in regards to ownership.