Avoiding Live-in House Hack?

[Kevin Forsell]

Hello all-

I'm saving for my first multifamily home and my Agent (who invests himself) advised me to house hack for at least my first property. I expressed some uncertainty with living in the property and he told me some under-the-table advice; you don't actually NEED to live there, you just have to have the "intention" of living there. Once the property is sold, you can rent out all units, and no House Hack Police will come knocking to check if you're living in the property. 

Obviously this is more ideal for me (and I assume for most people), but the thought of cheating the system scares me a bit. Has anyone done this? If I do this and the lender (or anyone else) finds out, what might the repercussions be? Thanks in advance for the advice!

[Tim Herman]

!@Kevin Forsell You need a different agent. He is telling you to commit mortgage fraud. Low down payment is for owner occupied. Google federal mortgage fraud. Max of 20 years of prison 5 million dollar fine. Bubba is looking for a new roommate. It is not that onerous to stay in the property for a year.