VA loan rules require the borrower to certify they will use the property as their primary residence.

We're really trying to avoid doing a traditional loan, and don't want to commit to living in the place using an FHA loan.

My criteria whether to get worked up or not.Entire books have been written on these subjects, but if we can ID our big 3 as to basic need, personality type (Lion, Otter, Labrador, Beaver) and primary love language we would all have it better.

It was originally our primary residence that we converted to a rental when the housing market was bad in 2009 (couldn’t sell it) it’s never been a good rental as far as cash flow.

If so, do you check off "Other" and list "private financing" (as obviously this isn't a traditional mortgage)?

Do you have any equity in your primary residence?

I like the idea of a HELOC on your primary residence but believe the new tax rules will impact that on a taxable basis. 

If you want to live in the house and title it in your name you get tax benefits upon sale (if occupied 2 years as your primary residence 250K if single and 500K if married) gains are tax exempt.

I would like to practice the brrrr strategy in these areas, but for now I'm just looking for my primary residence in highland indiana. 

I know for my wife and I, crime and school was one of the most important factors when we bought our primary schools.I would counter their research by saying if I was in the 18-27 years old then yeah school would be number job and amenities will be number one.