Can a first-time buyer use rental income to afford a Summerville multi-family?

Rental income from a Summerville multi-family can count toward a first-time buyer's mortgage application, though lenders only credit a portion of that income and want a lease or an appraiser's rent schedule before they count it at all. A local lender can confirm which portion applies to a specific property and loan program. Brian Beatty can point a buyer toward Summerville streets zoned for more than one unit before they start touring.