It can be a pretty big deal and isn't anything worth playing with. 

I assume it's in the lender's best interest that I close after this policy comes into play, or is that not the case?

We did research on area and we knew there are bad elements but i think we underestimated the problem (You know mind plays with us when we have already decided to do something especially when you have overconfidence on yourself ).

A kid playing outside can break the window and you will collapse in tears. 

So I was unsure if that would play a role and should have mentioned that.   

I would also caution you when you say properties are inexpensive in your city, because low cost properties often come with management intense tenants and more problems in general.

In addition to low inventory, something else is at play here in this market, and across the country.Many people, my self include, believe we may be at the start of an increasing inflationary period in the US. 

The plan would be to have 2 separate purchase contracts with closing of the 2nd property to occur after closing the owner-occuped FHA loan. 2) I'm now trying to evaluate a commercial loan for the 2nd (or both properties), but not sure how that could play out yet.

I have never played the "guess what this is" game with tenants.

Triplexes are intensely hard to find.