As a owner occupant, although prices are higher, things still remain affordable in most areas and interest rates remain low.

In my opinion, the absolute easiest way to get started INVESTING (buying rental property) is to buy a home (Duplex,Triplex, Fourplex if possible) as an owner occupant with a low interest rate and low down payment -  live in the property for a time then convert it to your first rental property and go out and buy another home as an owner occupant to live in for a time ... etc, etc,-- you should be able to do that a few times before you considered and investor and required to provide a 20% down payment.  

My standard business model is to purchase value add properties, perform the renovations, stabilize occupancy and then sell in 3-5 years.

They want occupancy May 1. 

I'm also doing some research in this town how the rental market performed when the recession came through and what the over all occupancy rate was around that time as well as in the last five years.

Let me step off my soap-box and continue...Even if you have the legal standing to forcibly have the occupant removed, you'll likely be better off presenting yourself as someone who is on their side (to a limit) in an effort to negotiate their departure from the premises.

I am looking to invest in a multifamily property with a family member that would be an owner-occupant.  

Again these are low end properties at 100% occupancy on day one.  

Occupancy rates?

“Dwelling unit” means a structure or the part of a structure that is used as a home, residence or sleeping place by one or more persons who maintain a household, together with the common areas, land and appurtenant buildings thereto, and all housing services, privileges, furnishings and facilities supplied in connection with the use or occupancy thereof, including garage and parking facilities."