Current rent makes DTI too high for conv. loan on investment prop

[Alana Higgins]

I live/work in Los Angeles, CA and want to purchase a SFR investment property in the Inland Empire (1-2 miles east of LA). This is my first home purchase and I'm having trouble qualifying for a conventional loan with 20% down, even when I use future rental income to help my DTI ratio. The limiting factor is my current living expense. I currently rent a 3 bedroom house with two other women and we split the total rent. Even though my portion is only $1200/month, loan officers have advised that I will be liable for the entire rent of $3400, pushing my DTI way up. Is there an easy way around this? I've considered 1) using a different lender, 2) asking about DSCR qualification, 3) talking to my landlord to ask if he could write me a separate lease agreement.

Thanks!!