Option A could cost more to acquire compared to option B because option A is already making money.

There are no hard guidelines since it is non-QM so every lender will have different options.

Hi Anna, We're based just North of you in Tampa and we do a lot of work in SW Florida.

If you are renovating a bathroom we would be spending $500 for a vanity sink base.

DSCR is a great option.

My mentor calls it Values Based Decision Making.

It's possible your loan officer is either unaware of the guidelines or his company has an overlay.As a lender who specializes in VA financing, I reach out to the VA Regional Loan Center of jurisdiction (based on what state the property is in) anytime I have a scenario like this, that way I have VA's position in writing to submit to my underwriters.Aside from the fact that both units are under lease for 10 more months, is there any other reason you could not occupy the home within 60 days?

Keri - you may also want to check into Fidelity - they have great bank account options - both business and personal - with $0 min, $0 fees including no wire transfer fee and no limit on the amount of money you can transfer. 

As my bother says, it doesn't buy you happiness, it buys you OPTIONS.

All this is anecdotal and not based on any research I've read.