Question about land contracts/lender

[Rachel Campbell]

hi everyone!

I have a question in regards financing a personal home purchase. Recently we bought a home on land contract, and are interested in another potential opportunity for land contract. These properties will be investment/rentals. We had hoped that with proof of a 12 month lease, that the lenders would view the mortgage payments as a wash and negate them from our loan situation.

However, I recently spoke with a lender and they informed me that it is variable. Apparently they never know for sure if their investors behind purchasing the loan after close will actually overlook the land contracts with a 12 month lease, but sometimes it works out. 

Does it sound as if I am speaking to the correct lender? Should I focus on working with private lenders that are local and keep loans in-house? 

We would really love to move into a better home for our family, and subsequently reconsidering any further land contract purchases at this time. In addition, we would love to figure out the lending as the first land contract purchase has put our financing in jeopardy. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

We are in West/Central Ohio if that helps.

As a side note, can lenders even know that you have a land contract payment without being made aware by the consumer?