do homes on VA loans need to be owner occupied?

Yes, definitely - at least initially. There is nothing to prevent someone with a VA loan from renting later on, but you cannot use a VA loan to buy a home that will not be your primary residence.

I would agree, VA loans are only available on a primary residence.

If you are doing a purchase loan they always have to be owner occupied. However, if you already have a VA loan on the property, moved out and kept it as a rental and now want to refinance, that is okay. Best wishes, Sean