1) Yes, you can have a non-occupant co-borrower for an FHA loan.

2) However, as pointed out, he has to qualify for the loan too. His tax liens are a problem, unless he has been making payments on them and can show at least 6 months of on time payments.

3) Can't you prove your income via your tax returns? Or has your accountant been too aggressive?

4) Your father can gift you a large lump sum and you can go to a company like TrustCo that handles portfolio loans for these type of situations. TrustCo is a regional bank. The loan is a conventional loan and not sold on the secondary market. The rate is a good rate too, but the residence has to be a primary (like you want it to be).

Good luck.