Yes, do this. Once you get qualified you will have a price range to look for. Don't buy anything that will require a credit pull until after the house closes and then, be careful not to make any big purchases.
They are really just looking for your debt to income, and job stability. Anything outside of those two things don't really phase them. They will do a credit pull to see if you have any liens or judgments against you. Those count as debt so, dti.
Rural development loans or fha loans. Rural development gets you out of the metro areas and fha puts you anywhere. Rd loans generally have a lower interest rate as well. About the only draw back for Rd is it's limited by area. There also bonds in some areas that help pay for some expenses that loans incur. A good mortgage broker will be aware of those.