Newbie investor. Covid 19 ruined plans for conventional 5% down

[Candice Scoby]

Hello all. I'm a newbie looking to house hack a duplex. I am a first time home buyer. I was hoping to put 5% down on a conventional loan, but the lender told me that post Covid-19, 15% down is the minimum on a multi-unit, even if it it will be owner occupied. If I put 15% down, I would just about drain my savings/cash reserves. Should I just go the FHA, 3.5 % down route to get some skin in the game? I know I'll have to pay PMI, but I would save my cash reserves. Please share your thoughts.

[Candice Scoby]

@Jaysen Medhurst thank you! I guess I won’t allow myself to become discouraged so quickly. I will do my due diligence.