Underwriter contacted FHA for guideline review (appraisal, mortgage, mortgages, escrow)

[nwright12]

My husband and I negotiated with our realtor to purchase a shortsale with two mortgages. We had to close in 25 days. The first mortgage agreed to pay $2000 towards the 2nd and the second required $5000. So we planned to pay the difference during the close of escrow with our down payment. Appraisal and underwriting seemed smooth. Escrow contacted us to sign and said documents were on the way. Two hours later the lender called and said closing would not release the documents because there was a question about the the 2nd lien could be paid. According to the underwriter, it could not be gifted and had to be funds in our account for 30 days. After much discussion, it was determined that the lenders would move things around and ultimately use lender credit to save us the expense. The underwriter decided to consult FHA for a determination in reference to using lender credit on a loan doc the is requiring funds to pay the second. We have not heard back from FHA for days. The home was suppose to close yesterday. The bank gave us a 4 day extension. They will not grant another extension and the underwriter will not move forward until they hear from FHA. How long does it that? Is this normal? Should we find another lender? Should we find another option? We have very little hope of closing this with a 4 day extension and we can't move forward until FHA responds to the underwriter. It just doesn't seem right. and it doesn't seem like FHA will ever respond.