You are not going to save any money by supplying the materials .

Banker suggested using check, Zelle or wiring money from bank current bank account but my name will be on the check, wire, etc. 

Chances are, the living arrangements and property use is not as it was supposed to be.If the money is good, set a lease with extra provisions for the dope house cleanup when the tenant leaves.You can't charge for the plants, but you can charge for uncommon use of the property.

We plan to utilize hard money but I am interested in opinions for other options.

Or is it just better to find a hard money lender for a short term of about 1 year depending on the season period a traditional bank wants?

Decline the Zillow application option, that's where they get money out of you.

Borrowing money from grandma is not wise, nor is borrowing money from a hard money lender or cashing out equity in your primary home to generate a down payment on an investment.Do the hard work.

I've also put in my earnest money. 

I would chat with a conventional lender to verify, as I mainly just do DSCR/hard money. 

Partnered with a friend and raised $250K for down payment and raised the rest through hard money.