Requirements for conventional - using income from rental

[Jeff Daring]

I was told by one broker today that I wouldn’t qualify for over a certain amount on a property because first time buyers with no landlord experience cannot use the rental income from the properties towards their qualification. Another broker told me this is not the case. The first broker said all banks must adhere to the requirements of conventional loans. This is my first property, I have been living rent free and have no landlord experience. I want to avoid a situation where a lender is telling me I’m prequalified and then there is a hiccup once we get under contract. Is there such a requirement? I am looking at a 4 unit for 400k and the place has 57k annual income. I was only approved for 385 based on my w-2 by broker one but broker two said I would be qualified well into the 500s bc the property has proven income. Which is correct? 

[Jay Hurst]

Quote from @Jeff Daring:

I was told by one broker today that I wouldn’t qualify for over a certain amount on a property because first time buyers with no landlord experience cannot use the rental income from the properties towards their qualification. Another broker told me this is not the case. The first broker said all banks must adhere to the requirements of conventional loans. This is my first property, I have been living rent free and have no landlord experience. I want to avoid a situation where a lender is telling me I’m prequalified and then there is a hiccup once we get under contract. Is there such a requirement? I am looking at a 4 unit for 400k and the place has 57k annual income. I was only approved for 385 based on my w-2 by broker one but broker two said I would be qualified well into the 500s bc the property has proven income. Which is correct? 

 The key here is that you do not have a primary housing expense. Because you do not have a housing you cannot count the income from the subject property. IF you were paying rent, you could count the rent on the subject property.

https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/sel/b3-3.1-08/rental-inc...