VA purchase loan; owner occupy sticky point

[Carlos Enriquez]

I live in California and am looking to purchase in Seattle. I sold my California SFR back in May and am renting until I move up there. I'm waiting until I sell my commercial building before I become a permanent resident of Washington.

I would like to use my VA loan to buy, but my realtor tells me that unless I move in within 60 days or spend more than 50% of my time up there, VA lenders won't fund it. Since I have a lot of personal property in my rental right now, I wanted to move all that up to the new house. Wouldn't that be proof that it's owner occupied? I also fly up there at least once a month to visit family.

I've discussed this with some lenders, and I get mixed opinions.  One says it would be tough to get a loan, and another says that it's no problem as long as I don't rent it out and my stuff is "occupying " it.  I can afford the mortgage while I work, and I'll have cash when I sell the office, so there is no default risk.

What's the consensus here at BP?  The lenders I've spoken with are very well respected and do a lot of business with veterans, so I'm in a dilemma!