Many years prior to her passing she moved out of the home to live with another family and the home sat vacant for a very long time without anyone checking on it.

Because of the stability and growth those markets have been showing but also both markets are close to my home which is an important factor to me

My better half looked at my creation when we got home and named it "Lawnmower Mouse" for a reason.I hear you on the shades.

First is whether you are purchasing this as a Secondary Home or as an investment property.

Another concern I would have is that if we enter into an economic situation where tourism declines and foreigners stop buying expensive second homes there, you could get stuck with a property you can’t sell that isn’t producing much income. 

HML just went to private money to give the allusion that you are going to find some rich doctor that is going to lend you money at 5%. private money  hard money is quite competitive these days.. you can plan on 2 to 4 points up front at close and 10 to 15% interest  plus junk fees and rehab draw fees appraisal fees etc etc. some of the larger national lenders have their pricing very well spelled out on their websites you may want to get a baseline from themKiaviLima one Lending oneetc etc..

Do they require anything special that a normal home wouldn't need?

I recently bought 3 acres of land with the intention of creating a mobile home park.

I was able to save a good amount of money and purchase a 3 bedroom 2 bath mobile home on an acre of land all cash, that property generates $875 a month, no mortgage or HOA fees.

There is also a True Portfolio program where you can buy a Second Home with only 10% down and can have a back end DTI of up to 49%.Best to have a conversation and go over all options than to take one lenders turn down.