Renting on Airbnb with an FHA loan

[Evan DiLeonardi]

I'm looking to buy a single family home and rent it out on Airbnb when I'm not there. I travel a lot on the weekends and for work during some weeks. It will be my primary residence when I'm not traveling though.

My question is, am I allowed to rent it out on Airbnb when I'm not there? The FHA bylaws seem to restrict short term rentals but I've heard of people doing it so I wasn't sure.

Would it be easier to do 5% down conventional for a primary if I plan to Airbnb it? My goal is to reduce down payment, closing costs and the interest rate which is why I wanted to do an FHA loan if possible.

Thanks!