I got approved for a HELOAN on my primary property but not sure if I should take the loan to just use as “leverage/reserves” to show the HML and get funded.

Quote from @Allison Littman: I am currently trying to close on a church in Nashville (residential R6-A zoning) and convert it into my primary residence.

I won't be able to make the cottage legal rental without living in the primary home myself.

If you have not flipped a home, do not have a rental property, and do not own a primary residence, you may have a hard time getting into lending.

Here's how they break down:Fannie Mae HomestyleMinimum Down Payment: 3%-5% (Primary Residence) & 20% Down (Investment/Second Home)Credit Score: 620Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000Maximum Loan Amount: Per County Loan LimitsOccupancy Types: Primary Residence, Second Homes, and Investment PropertiesUnit Maximum: 4 UnitsAcceptable Renovations:-Structural Improvements (e.g., new roofing, foundation repairs)-Cosmetic Enhancements (e.g., new flooring, updated bathroom/kitchen fixtures)-Energy Efficiency Upgrades (e.g., solar panels)-Accessibility Modifications (e.g., ramps, widened doorways)-Luxury Items (e.g., pool)-LandscapingNot Acceptable Renovations:-Commercial Use (e.g., turning a residential property into a commercial property)-Temporary Structures-Non-Residential Buildings (e.g., barns, stables)FHA 203(k)Minimum Down Payment: 3.5%Minimum Credit Score: 620Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000Maximum Loan Amount: $524,225Occupancy Types: Primary Residence ONLYUnit Maximum: 4 UnitsAcceptable Renovations:-Structural Improvements/Reconstruction (e.g., adding rooms, bathrooms)-Cosmetic Enhancements-Eliminate Health and Safety Hazards-Energy Efficiency Improvements-Major Landscaping (e.g., grading, tree removal, adding walkways)Non-Acceptable Renovations:-Luxury Items-Commercial Use-Temporary Structures-Non-Residential BuildingsBoth of these renovation loans are similar in many ways, but the key differences are:1.

In some cases they cannot pull the money out because it is now (Non-owner occupant) an investment and their credit union or bank may cap them at 70% or 75% MAX LTV.Nothing wrong wiht putting 10% down on a primary but look at the rates on both 5% and 10% usually when you have PMI built in the rates stay the same.

@Kris TohovitisI wouldn't recommend using your cash to pay off the mortgage on your primary residence since you can likely get a better return on that money by investing it.What's your buying criteria for the multi-family property?

What if the person staying at your place signed a contract but their 1st payment check bounced.

There are some New programs coming for 2025 for primary homes, Vacation homes, and investment properties.

It’s great to have a community to bounce ideas off of.