Help about buying a duplex that was converted to single

[Hesham A.]

Hi,

I am searching for advice...

Just made an offer to purchase a small home that is zoned as duplex but previous owner converted to single family home. All the hook ups are still there, still two meters and everything. The previous owner did a really nice job with the cosmetics and connected units just by adding a door between them. Estimate provided of 3-4K to bring back to duplex because that is my intention.

Here is my dilemma... they rejected my offer because I was going FHA route and according to my realtor, fha will not approve this purchase because it's legally listed as duplex but inspector will see a single. Another concern is they didn't pull permits to make any of the work (which I honestly feel is very minimal - paint, appliances, new kitchen layout, and the door to open between units). She said conventional is option but will likely have to be investment only, based on her convo with my mortgage broker. I really like this property and see potential so I would be willing to go conventional route.

I asked her to call the sellers agent to see if there is anything we can do. Apparently they are okay with my offer minus fha. I obviously wish I could pay to have the wall added and go fha route. Willing to get creative. Any ideas?