Other than paying for an appraisal or BPO (and maybe a credit report), you should not pay a lender anything until your loan funds.

We have no debt and good credit scores, do we have any options for making this work?

To get a rough ballpark, sure, but sometimes you'll be way, way off like we've seen with the iBuyers who it turns out were too smart for their own good and ended up buying high and selling low due to to relying on data and not actual organic, boots on the ground experience pulling accurate comps like an appraiser or realtor who knows the market on not just a block by block or street by street but a house by house level.

But, it may not offer the ROI as other locales, and it may not be "fun" like buying in a favorite vacation spot.2 - The highest ROI folks - Self explanatory, will go where ROI is high and/or regulation low.3 - The second home/retirement minded - These people are looking for minimal ROI but want the house in a specific location because they like to use the property and want it to pay for itself.

(Available time, money, income, family situation, credit availability, time horizon, real estate market location and phase, medical situation, etc etc.)

Low property taxes (1.1%) and not a lot natural disasters as well.

There are also 'mezz' lenders (typically for larger transactions) who will cover up to 90% CLTV and require you to bring the remaining equity to the deal, and additionally there is Gap Funding in the form of unsecured personal debt.The latter can potentially be the most expensive option, but allows for true 100% financing as there are no restrictions for how to use these funds, as they are unsecured, and generally obtained through personal credit, income etc (since there is no collateral for obtaining these funds).

Low or No House IdentityPeople want to take pride in where they live.

Positives are proximity, low property taxes, no income taxes, no weather events, very low maintenance stucco/tile structures, “young” properties (5-20 years old) 

It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market.