Buying w/Conventional Offer then Switching to VA

[Michael B.]

So, I'm offering on a quadplex for my first house hack and it's a competitive situation, multiple offers. I'm financing with a VA loan and the offer is contingent on a home inspection. The seller's agent told my agent that he has conventional offers and is going to advise his client to take one of those to avoid the VA appraisal. My agent suggested that we amend the offer to conventional financing in order to get the offer accepted then change the financing to VA afterwards. My agent says the only risk is that if the appraisal comes back with issues, we would have to fix them in order close the deal, which would mean the seller would have to allow us to make any identified repairs. So, if the seller declines to allow the items from the VA appraisal to be repaired to close the deal then my financing would fall through and I would not lose my deposit. I also would be able to walk away at the home inspection and retain my deposit if there is apparent issues. Does anyone know if this is a common practice? I'm concerned about losing my deposit or being forced to follow through with the conventional financing.