what is the most appropriate word (that starts with letter "a") for the blank?

Question: We had no a____ but to sell our house.

Dear friends,
What is the most appropriate word for the blank? The word has to start with the letter"a"; i.e, "a" in front of the blank is not an article rather it is the first letter of the word that goes into the blank.

I have tried very hard, but couldn't come up with the word.

Thanks in anticipation