If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, you’ve probably heard of VA loans. These loans, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, offer fantastic benefits for homeownership. But what if you’re looking to invest in real estate? Can you use a VA loan for an investment property? Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of this subject.

1. VA Loan Basics

Before we discuss investment properties, let’s get a clear understanding of VA loans:

• Purpose: VA loans are designed to help veterans, active-duty service members, and some members of the National Guard and Reserves purchase, build, retain, or adapt a home for personal occupancy.
• No Down Payment: One of the biggest advantages is that you can finance up to 100% of the home’s value, meaning no down payment is required.
• Favorable Terms: VA loans typically come with lower interest rates, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and fewer closing costs.

2. VA Loan for Investment Properties: The General Rule

The primary goal of VA loans is to help veterans secure a primary residence. This means that, typically, VA loans aren’t used for investment properties. However, there are exceptions and creative ways around this.

3. House Hacking with a VA Loan

One popular strategy is ‘house hacking’. Here’s how it works:

• You buy a multi-unit property, like a duplex or triplex, using a VA loan.
• You live in one of the units and rent out the others.

By doing this, you’re technically using the VA loan for your primary residence, but you’re also generating rental income from the other units.

4. Refinancing with a VA Loan

Another strategy is to live in the house you buy with a VA loan for a certain period, and then refinance to a conventional loan once you move out. After refinancing, you can then rent the property.

5. Purchasing Again with a VA Loan

If you’ve fully paid off your VA loan, or if you’ve refinanced to a non-VA loan, you can potentially use your VA loan benefits again. This means that if you move, you might use a VA loan for your new primary residence and rent out your original home.

6. Things to Remember

• Occupancy Requirement: The VA typically requires that you move into the home within 60 days of closing and use it as your primary residence. This timeframe can sometimes be extended in specific cases.
• Funding Fee: While VA loans don’t require PMI, they do come with a funding fee. This is a one-time charge that helps offset the costs to taxpayers. The amount can vary based on the type of loan and other factors.
• Residual Income: VA lenders will look at your residual income, which is the money left over after all major expenses. This ensures that borrowers have a cushion to handle unexpected expenses, which can be especially important if you’re planning to be a landlord.

In Conclusion

While VA loans aren’t explicitly designed for investment properties, with a bit of creativity and understanding of the rules, they can still play a role in your real estate investment journey. Always speak with a mortgage professional familiar with VA loans to explore your specific situation and opportunities.