FHA is the only owner occupied loan you can get for a duplex that will allow a low down payment (3.5% as of March 2015), that doesn't require landlord experience and that will count the future rental income from the other half of the duplex to help you qualify for a loan.

Can you buy a duplex with FHA?

FHA allows you to buy a duplex, live in one unit, and rent out the other side. FHA also allows 3 and 4 unit properties as well, but the requirements are a little more strict.

What is FHA duplex?

Generally speaking, the person buying the home must live in one unit, in order to use an FHA loan to buy a duplex. The borrower must also make a down payment of at least 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value.