If I were in your and/or your mother-in-laws shoes, I would go to a local bank and use the free and clear house to secure a $150K+ line of credit. 

I would recommend checking with some local insurance brokers in your area, they may know more carriers that are available."

As U.S. citizens residing in Europe, we are required by the local tax code to hold the property in our personal name.

A local property manager will make this much easier and handle the visits for you.Single-family homes can still do well, even with more apartments popping up, as they cater to tenants who want privacy and space.

Does your local jurisdiction require you to return those fees if they were not screened? 

Try talking to local banks who want to do business with you.

The ONLY reason why it looks like SEO is competing for that minuscule amount is because SEO is the only strategy that GETS/TARGETS that minuscule amount (which is what you want).When you send out DMM cold calling and texting, you are targeting the entire population so you THINK you have a large audience, but no no NO!

Day care, restaurants, local businesses will all be affected.

Successful BRRRRs are challenging enough to do local to you.  

The solution could be a creative financing solution such as a total or partial private note, an assumption of the note or LLC, a speciality or local lender, or any combination thereof.