re: Is it possible to refinance a mortage for current home to make it a rental

Whether you'd like to sign legal paperwork attesting upon penalty of law that you are doing something when you aren't is up to everyone's own particular appetite for risk. Some may agree with you. Some may be more cautious.

I know plenty of folks in your situation. I'm not saying they call mortgages due left and right. What I'm saying is that you've signed paperwork in front of either a Non-Attorney Notary or a Real Estate Attorney at closing that exposes you to the potential for risk. There's no debate.

...and don't think your loan officer cares a bit. He's interested in the loan closing and getting paid. You are the one telling the lender you'll occupy it, not him. He's got plenty of plausible deniability in that scenario.

Like I mentioned before with a lot of things in life, it's all about how much of an appetite for risk you have. Your mileage may vary.