Do you really have to live in it?

[James Robert]

Alright so I’m curious how this situation would be policed - just curious because I’ve never heard of it being policed. 

I own a single family right now that I got a good deal on. I bought it as a flip but turns out we love the home and it’s great for us and the dogs. Did all the work myself and were splitting 1,100 a month. 

My next purchase as a primary residence can be 3.5 on FHA or 5% on conventional. Let's say I buy a duplex on either of those loans and I'm expected to live in it for a year. Is anyone really policing me living there? How would they know if I live there as my primary or not? What if I just did FHA and rented both? Can I go to jail? How serious is that situation?

*Disclaimer* *Asking for knowledge purposes*

I am also a Realtor and have had clients ask me this.