Getting past Underwriting!! Second home is easier they said :/

[Akeim Fin]

So I bought my first home (duplex) using a VA home loan a few months ago. Everything went well and now I'm ready to buy my second home (triplex) but there's a problem, Underwriting!!

I am being told by numerous lenders that I can't purchase a 3 family using an owner occupied FHA or conventional loan at that matter. Instead I need to put 25% down because I am seen as an investor. Despite planning on living in the future triplex they are telling me at best I can get another Duplex, and that will be a stretch that requires some selling to underwriting. After asking why their response is the same "People don't go from a 2 to a 3 instead they go from a 2 to a 2 or a 2 to a single family. Gong from a 2 to a 3 family is seen as unusual and appears that I am trying to be an investor and not put down any money."

How do I get around this hurdle? Has anyone else been told this before? 

[Nicole A.]

Like Amit said, try talking to other lenders, but yes, this is typical of lenders. Most people when truly buying a primary residence, "move up." It's just how things go... otherwise everyone would get nice easy low-down payments on investments and quickly scale up.

Also, if you only moved into your first property a few months ago, isn't it too soon to purchase another primary residence? Typically you need to live in your primary residence for one year before moving out and renting it.