Qualifying for Second Conventional Mortgage

[Rick Hoogstraten]

Hi all,

I currently have a conventional mortgage on a townhouse I bought a couple years ago.  I am currently looking to house hack a duplex and keep the townhouse and rent that out as well.  I was told by a mortgage lender that in order to count the potential rental income from the duplex (to qualify for the new mortgage) that they would need a signed lease up front before I could purchase the duplex and get the mortgage.  I was wondering how common and doable this is and if anyone had experience doing it.  

I little background I do have a full-time good paying job just not good paying enough to qualify for a second conventional mortgage without additional income.  Any thoughts and advice on this scenario would be great!

Thanks everyone, Rick