I am a traveling nurse. How can I get an owner-occupy loan while transient?

[Ivan Schmidt]

I am frustrated with the poor quality of information for my situation — maybe y'all can help!

My permanent address (tax home) is near Knoxville. My work will soon be taking me to North Carolina. I am fully prepared to buy a house in Knoxville, but lender says conventional primary residence loan is not possible unless I work within one hour of town. Is this requirement set in stone, or should I spend tomorrow calling a ton of different lenders?

I have 2+ years of stable income, $50k liquid, reserve funds, and 740+ credit. Would really like to avoid 25% down if at all possible