What is the federal government doing to the housing market?

I was just told,by three lenders, that I cannot get a loan for a house with 50% down, if it is not my primary residence. I said, that it was my mom's home, and I just dont want to sit there. I was goin to update throughout and lease it--cant do that either. Seriously, what is the intentions of obama's admnistration? And you wonder why houss aren't moving?