BiggerPockets

Found this FAQ, thought it might be of interest:

HUD and VA home purchasing

There's also info there about a program for teachers that I didn't know existed!

As for HUD's Teacher Program, here's more info courtesy of the Monmouth Housing Alliance Website. The program is called Teacher Next Door:

Teacher Next Door

The Teacher Next Door is an exciting new HUD initiative that will offer thousands of teachers highly discounted homeownership opportunities while also strengthening the communities where they work. The Teacher Next Door will offer an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 single-family houses, townhouses and condominiums for sale to teachers at 50 percent discounts every year in specially designated revitalization areas.

Secretary Cuomo held a national announcement of the Teacher Next Door on March 13, 2000 at Burrville Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Secretary Cuomo said, "By making it more attractive for teachers to live and work in school districts where they're needed most, we can build better futures for children and neighborhoods in need. A good teacher can make a great neighbor - as a mentor, an inspiring role model, and as a living link between the classroom and the community."

Secretary Cuomo was joined by Burrville Principal Gwendolyn Baccus and leader of the nation's two largest teacher's groups - American Federation of Teachers President, Sandra Feldman and National Education Association President, Robert Chase.

Feldman said: "HUD's Teacher Next Door initiative will help teachers buy a home and live in the community where they teach. It is an innovative, positive program that will benefit teachers, the children they educate and the communities they serve."

Chase said: "Secretary Cuomo's Teacher Next Door initiative is smart, community-friendly government at its best. It says that HUD values our teachers in a special way and is ready to help them get a piece of the American dream. I strongly encourage teachers to apply."

If you'd like more information on HUD's Teacher Next Door program, visit http://www.hud.gov/goodneighbor

OR

Send an e-mail to a Teacher Next Door Specialist at teacher_next_door@hud.gov.

About the Teacher Next Door Program
Any teacher who is employed full-time by a public school, private school or federal, state, county or municipal educational agency and is a state-certified classroom teacher or administrator in grades K-12 is eligible to apply for HUD's Teacher Next Door (TND) initiative.

Teachers can purchase HUD homes at 50 percent off of the list price in HUD-designated revitalization neighborhoods. These are neighborhoods receiving targeted public and private sector assistance that offer significant opportunities for local economic growth. To make properties even more affordable, HUD will reduce the down payment to just $100 if a teacher purchases a new home with an FHA-insured mortgage.

Homes must be located in the school district in which the teacher is employed. Homes offered for sale were previously insured through HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and then foreclosed on.

Teachers must live in their new home as their sole residence for at least three years after its purchase.

Teachers may purchase their home directly from HUD or use a real estate broker to arrange the sale. If a broker is used, the teacher's discount will be reduced by any broker or agent commission.

FAQ's
1. How much of a discount do I get on my home?
HUD's Teacher Next Door discount is 50 percent off the sales price of the home. For example, if you bid successfully on a Teacher Next Door home listed at $100,000, your sales price is $50,000.

2. Who is eligible for HUD's Teacher Next Door initiative?
Any state-certified classroom teacher or administrator employed full-time by a public school, private school or federal, state, county or municipal educational agency is eligible to buy a Teacher Next Door home.

3. Where are the Teacher Next Door homes located?
In specially designated revitalization areas. In Monmouth County, Asbury Park. The home must also be located in the school district where you work. There are over 600 revitalization areas across the country. Under HUD's Dollar Homes Initiative, teachers may have an opportunity to purchase HUD homes outside revitalization areas after an offering to local governments.

4. Can I get a HUD/FHA loan for a Teacher Next Door home?
Yes, if you qualify, HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers low down payment loans. Your down payment can be as low as $100 if you purchase your TND home with an FHA-insured mortgage. Call us at 1.800.217.6970 to learn more about these loans.

5. Can HUD help me pay for improvements on my Teacher Next Door home if necessary?
Yes, HUD has a loan program - 203(k) - designed especially to help homebuyers both purchase and rehabilitate a home. For more information about the 203(k) program and whether you qualify, ask a Teacher Next Door Specialist or call us at 1.800.217.6970.

6. How long do I have to live in my Teacher Next Door home?
Three years, as your sole residence.

7. Do I have to use a real estate broker to buy a Teacher Next Door home?
Most people use a real estate broker when buying a home, but you are not required to. You may buy your Teacher Next Door home directly from HUD or use a real estate broker to arrange the sale for you, but you must pay the real estate broker's fees.

8. Can a teacher purchase a property at the 50% discount outside of the area where he/she is employed.
No. The Teacher must purchase a home in the school district/jurisdiction in which they are employed.

For more information on HUD's Teacher Next Door Program, call 1.800.217.6970 or send an e-mail to teacher_next_door@hud.gov.

This is true they also have the " Officer Next Door" program as well but you need to check with guidelines and such. Many people do not take advantage of government programs due to the fact that they are not widely known (other than Wlefare & Section 8) and timely to get.

Owner occupied only. You must live there for 2 years.