What ways have you raise money for a FHA 3.5% down payment?

[Ralph E.]

I was close to buying my first home, which included another rented home, on one legal lot, through an FHA secured, 3.5% down loan (at the ripe age of 45).

The loan officer I was going through at first said I was eligible for down payment assistance (I needed over $7,000 down/or as a gift). But she later found out that I wasn't eligible because my income, combined with the income I'd make from the other house, was over the limit for down payment assistance. I had to cancel the buy-sell.

I asked my employer if they could help with the down, but things are tight for our small, but growing company. I knew, and my family knew they couldn't help.

I hate the fact that the bank would check my girlfriends bank account (if she were to try and gift me the down payment), and notice a deposit of over $7,000, and would not accept that.

Have you found anyways to get down payment money for an FHA secured loan, besides saving?