Financing a "recreation property"

[Josh Fenlon]

Hello, 
My name is Josh, and I don't know a single thing about real-estate. I've rented all my life, but I'm hoping to change that soon. I have my eye on a property in Michigan that is very secluded - it's considered a "recreation property." Basically, it's a cabin in the woods. The price is decent, something I think I can afford and pay off in the next 10-15 years. I'd like to make some serious developments to the property to upgrade it to a nice wilderness home. The trouble I'm having is that all the research I've done online suggests that, in order to finance a "recreation property", one must first own a home. I think this has to do with collateral value? 

Can anyone tell me if there's a way to finance a property like this one, without owning a home? I'd like to reach out to the real estate company that has the property listed, but I want to brush up on my facts and options before starting a professional relationship with this company and this agent. Any help or ideas you could provide, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!