Strong buyer demand is keeping homebuilders confident, but rising costs of construction materials are weighing on housing affordability.

If you can show the lender that [1] you will be able to cover the mortgage on your SFH (may need a signed lease) and [2] you can afford the mortgage on multifamily property (rental income + your payment), I don't see why a lender would say no to that.

Can you afford one struggling tenant?

i would contact an attorney in this area, it never seizes to amaze me the links the cities will go to so they can cause problems and then tell you they all about affordable housing, all they really about is taxing the heck out of homeowners and they know they cant get lots of taxes out of mobile homes so they dont like them, i dont see you losing this battle cause the homes were already in the park and in lots of cases that grandfathers them in, mayors are not lawyers and it sounds like you are in an area where they dont like parks good luck

Frustrating as all get out I know. 

They have only been on board for a few weeks, but I'm finally optimistic we can turn this around and provide safe, affordable housing to struggling low-income Phoenix residents.

I've been trying to pivot my investing and instead of saying "I can't afford it," I'm trying to change my mindset to, "how can I afford it."

I guess if you are worried about building your team/people you trust to manage and look after the property may want to find some markets that are affordable and easy to travel to and from NY so you can go visit the property need be. 

Have read many people from Cali docking to Phoenix for jobs and more affordable housing.

This is all I can afford and want to get a portfolio/equity going.