Using Navy Fed’s 0% Down Mortgage for House Hacking—Worth It?

[Tajana Reagan]

Hi everyone,

I’m exploring options for house hacking/investing and came across Navy Federal’s zero-down mortgage programs—the Homebuyers Choice and Military Choice loans (0% down, no PMI). I’m curious if anyone has used one of these specifically for:

• House hacking (e.g. multi-unit, renting out part of the property while living on-site)

• Investment purposes—buying with the intent to rent or resell.

If you’ve used either, what have been your pros and cons? For example:

• How did occupancy requirements or underwriter scrutiny impact your plan?

• Were there major delays or communication challenges?

• What were the rate, fee, and closing timelines like?

• Any surprises regarding membership eligibility, membership application, or underwriting hurdles?

I’d love to hear your experiences—positive or negative—and learn what worked well (or didn’t).

Thanks in advance!