Looking for options with financing

[Silas Johnson]

Hello all, 

We have been looking to get into our first investment property. We like the idea of house hacking and have been looking at duplexs and tri's. I spoke with a loan officer from my local credit union just to ask some questions. Through our conversation she came to the conclusion that we would not qualify because I do not have long enough work history. I have been employed steadily with a solid salary my whole adult life but took a year off and lived in africa for awhile. This was 2013-2014. That didnt make the loan officer happy and she basically told me that I would probably not qualify for any type of mortgage loan. Credit is decent and I have a nice chunk of cash. Not 20% but was looking to do an FHA or similar low down payment loan. I also did recieve income during this work free year via a pull from my retirement account. Would this qualify as income or do they want to see W-2 work? If no mortgage, what would be some other good options? Hard money then refi? any info would be appreciated!