If you're not inclined to make the drive, use Google Maps Street View to check out neighborhoods.

But I'm pretty sure a married couple is not allowed to each have a "primary residence" (at least for tax purposes), but I'm not sure how the FHA views this issue.So if only my name was on the mortgage, could that multi-unit be my primary residence as the FHA requires, while my other house would be my wife's primary residence?

Thank you all for the input, I appreciate it, I needed somebody to give a different view on my deal and dissect it in more detail.  

The rehab was a bigger job than I was looking for and I expect the price will be much higher than the asking price (listed at ~$300k for ~2200 sf (bigger if including the unpermitted work) with a view and 0.8 acre lot).  

Does she know that in NJ for foreclosures that trade at sheriff's sale auctions, these are the requirements:1. cash only-no finance, 20 pct down at time of the auction2. as-is transactions3. no inspections4. no viewings (unless it is also listed as a short sale at the time)5. you are responsible for holdover tenants and holdover homeowners6. auction docket is not fixed, most properties get continued between 4-8x before selling at auctionThese are just a few of the pitfalls with buying foreclosures to live in.

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So I found a short sale property contacted the agent and tried to make an appointment for a viewing but unfortunately was unable to get a date because the owners wouldn't answer the agents calls , so I took matters into my own hands and took a trip to the property and knocked on the door and found out that the owner is out of town and will be back in a few weeks, note that the wife was the one who told me this ....

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Make sure to view the Bigger Pockets book store: https://www.biggerpockets.com/store

According to them, without a lender I can't view the property.