Can FHA be used for an investment property?
No, not as a pure rental. FHA is for primary residences. The closest exception is owner-occupied 2–4 unit FHA — you live in one unit and rent the others.
Plain-English explanation
Pure investment property is generally a conventional, DSCR, or non-QM loan. The 2–4 unit FHA exception lets a primary buyer house-hack — occupy one unit, rent the rest — and still qualify with FHA's lower down payment.
What can change the answer?
FHA program rules can change, lender overlays vary, and your specific file (credit, income, property, occupancy) drives the actual answer.
Want the real answer for your file?
FHA guidelines are the rule. Your credit, income, payment, property, and county limit are what decide the actual answer.
More FHA questions on Basics
Educational only. FHA guidelines, lender overlays, rates, fees, and underwriting requirements can change. Final eligibility depends on full underwriting review.