Helping Travel Nurses Find Home Financing Solutions

The nursing profession is in high demand across the U.S., offering incredible job security and strong earning potential. Yet, many travel nurses struggle to qualify for a mortgage, largely due to the unique way their income is structured and frequent job changes between contracts.

At the Edwin Mortgage Team with Edge Home Finance, we understand these challenges. Our mission is to make homeownership simple and attainable for travel nurses—no matter how your income is paid. Whether you’re a W2 employee or a 1099 contractor, we’ll help you find a program that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Travel Nurses with W2 Income

If you receive a W2 from your staffing agency or employer, you’re already set up for many traditional mortgage programs.

You’ll typically need to provide:

  • Recent pay stubs
  • Two years of W2s and tax returns
  • A stable employment history in nursing or resent graduate of Nursing school

With this documentation, you may qualify for Conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loans. Even if you haven’t been in your current position for two full years, there are flexible programs available for nurses with strong work histories across multiple assignments.

Travel Nurses with 1099 Income

If you’re paid as an independent contractor (1099), you may find it more difficult to qualify with traditional underwriting. That’s because tax deductions and business expenses often reduce your reported income – even though you may actually earn far more.

That’s where bank statement loans come in. Instead of using your tax returns, these programs analyze your average monthly bank deposits to determine your qualifying income. It’s a great option for travel nurses who work multiple contracts or agencies throughout the year.

Top Mortgage Programs for Travel Nurses

Here’s a look at some of the best home loan options for travel nurses today:

1. Conventional Loans

Ideal for nurses with strong credit and consistent income.
Requirements:

  • Minimum credit score of 620
  • Two-year work history (education can be used as Experience)
  • Full income documentation (pay stubs, W2s, tax returns)

This is a popular choice for W2 and 1099 nurses who can qualify based on documented earnings.

2. FHA Loans

Perfect for nurses who want a lower down payment or more flexible credit guidelines.
Benefits include:

  • Down payments as low as 3.5%
  • Credit scores down to 500 (with compensating factors and down payment of 10%)
  • Seller-paid closing costs allowed (up to 6%)
  • Gift funds can be used for down payment

FHA loans can also help nurses qualify for a higher purchase price thanks to generous debt-to-income limits.

3. VA Loans

For nurses who are military veterans or active-duty service members, VA loans offer unmatched benefits:

  • Zero down payment required
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • Competitive interest rates

If you or your spouse have VA eligibility, this program provides one of the easiest paths to homeownership. You’ll need to document your income with tax returns or pay stubs.

4. Bank Statement Loans for Self-Employed Nurses

For self-employed or 1099 travel nurses, bank statement programs are often the best fit.

Program Highlights:

  • Qualify with 12–24 months of personal or business bank statements
  • Down payments starting at 10%
  • Minimum credit scores around 600

This option helps you qualify based on real income flow, not what’s reported on your tax return.

How Student Loans Impact Your Approval

Nursing school often comes with substantial student loans, but that doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach.

For FHA loans, deferred student loan payments are calculated at just 0.5% of the loan balance, making it easier to stay under the debt-to-income (DTI) limit.

Example:
A $50,000 student loan = only a $250 monthly payment counted for mortgage qualification.

This flexibility makes FHA loans especially valuable for nurses managing student debt.

Can You Use Per Diem Income to Qualify?

Per diem income is typically excluded under Conventional and FHA guidelines since it’s meant to cover travel and business expenses. However, if your per diem is consistent and well-documented, some lenders may make exceptions.

If you’re using a bank statement loan, those deposits can be considered as part of your qualifying income-offering more flexibility for travel nurses.

Qualifying After Bankruptcy

Even if you’ve had a bankruptcy in your past, homeownership can still be within reach.

  • Chapter 7: Eligible just one day after discharge with 20% down
  • Chapter 13: FHA approval possible after 12 on-time payments

Every nurse’s situation is unique, and our team can help you find the best program to fit your financial recovery plan.

About the Edwin Mortgage Team at Edge Home Finance

We’re Jammi Cash and Nathan Jordan, a husband-and-wife mortgage team proudly serving Alabama, Georgia, and Florida from our office at:
7 Snow Street, Oxford, AL 36203.

As part of Edge Home Finance—the nation’s largest VA mortgage broker with over 1,000 loan officers nationwide—we bring local service with national reach.

We specialize in:

  • FHA & VA loans (down to 500 credit score)
  • Conventional, USDA & Jumbo loans
  • ITIN & Foreign National programs
  • Self-Employed: Bank Statement & 1099 options
  • Investor programs: Fix & Flip, DSCR, No-Income Primary

We believe that Realtors and borrowers deserve a mortgage team who communicates clearly, solves problems fast, and helps you close with confidence.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re a travel nurse ready to buy your first home—or refinance into a better program—we’d love to help guide you through it.

Reach out to the Edwin Mortgage Team at Edge Home Finance today.

Contact Information
Jammi Cash, NMLS #1930614 – Loan Coordination & Client Updates
Nathan Jordan, NMLS #2670112 – Client Relations & Partnerships
7 Snow Street, Oxford, AL 36203
edwinmortgage.com

FAQ: Mortgages for Travel Nurses

Q1: Can I qualify for a mortgage if I change assignments often?
Yes. As long as your employment remains consistent within the nursing field, frequent job changes typically aren’t a problem.

Q2: What if I’m a 1099 nurse with fluctuating income?
You can still qualify through bank statement loan programs that use average deposits instead of tax returns.

Q3: Can my per diem pay count toward my mortgage income?
Usually not—but some nontraditional loan programs may consider it if well documented.

Q4: What’s the minimum credit score needed?
FHA and VA loans can go as low as 500, while conventional loans generally start at 620.

Q5: How do student loans affect my mortgage approval?
FHA loans calculate deferred student loan payments at 0.5% of the balance, making it easier to qualify.