Can we get around needing a co signer or 20%

Sorry but i would need more info to offer advice. what type of loan are you applying for? FHA debt ratios can be approved above 50%. what bank are you applying through?

FHA and Rural Housing are 2 different things.. FHA has approved DTI's up to 57%, so it probably the lender giving you grief, not FHA... my suggestion is to be dealing with a Local mortgage broker, not the local bank or credit union, and certainly not one of those "nationwide lenders" or "internet lenders".. Your scenario sounds like you're a victim of lender "overlays" or guidelines that are being imposed above and beyond what FHA will do.. Some lenders won't allow DTI's over 48%, but others will allow whatever FHA allows, but when you deal with a bank, your scenario has to fit within their small confined set of rules.. if you don't' fit, you don't get approved.. Period!!.. Also, when it comes to income, it sounds like your husband has a lot of unreimbursed business expenses.. if he makes $50K a year, but lender is only allowing $33K, then that means he is writing off $17K each year.. And all the lenders will look at the income the same way.. You just need to reach out to a local broker.. Problem solved!!I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com

Sounds like you should call a Broker who uses a lender that doesn't have any overlays. FHA will go up to a 55% DTI as long as you have an approve eligible response from DU.

HelloI am a Tennessee lender and would like to see if I can help you.Please call me at 615-335-7301ThanksSteve

First , where is your fico number at?? you can email me at yourloanpartnerforlife@live.com linda