VA loan for small multifamily

[Natalie C.]

My husband is a veteran and we've previously used a VA loan, but not for a few years.

Looking to use a VA loan to purchase a small multifamily property (2-4 unit). We would reside in one of the units. From what I can find online, whether or not the lender will allow us to count future rent from the other units toward the loan amount depends on the specific lender.

Question: anyone have advice on getting pre-approved with a lender that will be more likely consider future rent payments toward the loan amount (ie the loan amount will be greater than just our w2 jobs would provide)?

Located in greater SF bay area.

Thanks!