The dislike of FHA loans, particularly by experienced realtors who represent the seller, is twofold: FHA loan appraisals are more aggressive in the "nitpicky-ness" of relatively minor cosmetic issues, and buyers with FHA loans tend not to be as financially sound and reliable as other loan programs. 

Buy another house or multi up to 4 units using FHA, 3.5% down. 

My sister and I are both considering using separate FHA loans to purchase our own 4-unit properties.

Just don’t buy it with FHA and immediately rent all four units — that can raise flags with underwriting or the FHA later.Timing the Transition: If you plan to sell the 4-unit down the road, remember that a multifamily’s value is tied to income, not comps — so ideally, you’ll want to stabilize rents and keep clean books for at least a year before listing it.

(As mentioned above, VA and FHA are for owner occupied only, so BP just saved you half your time there!)

If you cant do another FHA, the next best thing is to do a Fannie Mae HomeStyle.

This one was a good example, it was tenant occupied, but we were able to have one unit vacated before closing so my client could qualify for an owner-occupied FHA loan.

As an FHA buyer. once you close/own the property, you have 60 days to occupy the property.

Fannie Mae - 3% or 5% FHA - 3.5%It's also important to note that you can get a 6% sellers concession (credit based on the purchase price) for FHA, and 3% for Fannie Mae.

You don't need the second unit vacant for FHA, there is a vacant unit you can occupy, so the request to vacate is only a preference.