Lender will offer FHA 3.5% down on SFR but not multi?

[Alex Fredette]

Hello,

I recently met with a mortgage lender who prequalified me for a $250,000 FHA with 3.5 % down for an SFR. If I were to try and purchase a multi however they told me that they would want 20 % down. I would be living on the property, but I do have my father has a co-borrower non occupant. Doing some research on the FHA site it looks like a non occupant co-borrower would only allow 75 % loan to value, but there's an exception to having a family co-borrower, which would permit the maximum financing. Is this something that is up to the lender's discretion and is something that most lenders are going to offer? Or should I find another lender and if so does anyone have any recommendations in the greater Boston area?