Charles, try to go to a small bank where you are, may be close to Corsicana or Mabank, they have more manufactured homes there and they understand. Are you financing just the house or the land as well? Carrie is correct that if you tell them that the wheels will be removed and it will be on a slab. Also, remember that your homeowner's insurance will be higher too because your house will be a higher risk to getting damaged in that area's tornadoes and high winds.

You're just way ahead of your time. Manufactured homes are evolving, and many can't be distinguished from stick homes, even inside, and many are built onpermanent foundations. They also are green as can be.

Since you are only having it for a short time, you won't be paying the full life of the loan. So put that into your calculations. If there is a permanent foundation, I would mention that. Are you paying for the land it's on? Mention that and the green aspects.

Banks are serious idiots when loans and interest rates are concerned. that's why the're in the mess their in.

It is usually more expensive to finance a H.U.D. Manufactured home. They have a much more difficult time appreciating along with stick built homes. If the home was a I.R.C Modular then it would appraise along with stick built homes and you would probably have an easier time getting your desired rate.
The owner of this home will probably not see it your way however any potential buyer that looks at the home will have the same situation that you have. This may de value the home and make your offer more acceptable.
Remember though, you will have the same issues when you go to sell this home and you may be in a world of hurt if the home isnt worth what you owe in two years.
It is all revolving around what the value of the land is that the home is sitting on. I have sold several manufactured homes to buyers that are just interested in the land and plan to remove the mobile home. Depending on the circumstances the mobile home will loose its value but hopefully the land will appreciate.
If I were you, planning on building in 2 years. I would look for something relativley inexpensive but would appreciate over the next 24 months so you could forward those gains into your next home.
Not sure what the market is like where you live but you would have a much better chance coming out ahead by getting into something that will at least give you back the $$ that you put into it for 2 years.

Manufacutred homes will always cost a little more to finance. This is basically because, most banks are headquartered in NY or some other metropolitian area...and they still think of a manufactured home as something you can hook up to the pick-up and drive away in the middle of the night.....

I understand your logic, but the seller certainly won't. And if you will only hold the house for a few years, why do you think you deserve a discount for the full life of the loan?

Lenders do take into consideration the property, and the borrower....different rates for different property, and different people. If the home isn't important to you, ask your self these questions when considering renting/buying.
Will the property sell well when you are ready, or will it sit on the market?
How much is rent vs a payment?
How will the interest deduction over the years on owning it, reduce your overall costs?
Will you be likely to need to spend a lot of dollars on the home you are thinking of buying because it needs work/repairs?
What is likely to happen in your market area over the next few years?