Duplex Financing Challenge

[Devyn Grillo]

Hello, I am trying to get financing for a duplex and am hitting a roadblock. 

I currently own my primary SFH and I want to rent it out (first rental property) and house hack a duplex.

A decent duplex in the city I'm looking at is around $450k.

The two lenders I've spoke with are saying I won't get approved for another mortgage since I already have one. I was under the impression that I could include the future rental income and that would help offset the current mortgage. The lenders say I need 2 years landlord experience for that to apply?

A little more about my situation: We are moving to this new city regardless and I'd really prefer to house hack instead of having to rent. I have a good credit score and am self-employed, making about $70k/year. Our current SFH has about $60k in equity. My DTI is around 45% including my current SFH mortgage.

Any ideas on how to go about financing a duplex in my situation?

Thanks so much for any guidance!!