Update:
I kept my studio and am currently setting it up to turn it into a STR. Given its location it should bring in at least 20% more than having it as a LTR. Numbers backed by airdna.co that I use to estimate income for STRs. If you are looking into STRs you should definitely check it out!
I never found a seller willing to sign a lease option in Acapulco. But I found a great deal (2 BR, 2 Bath) and was able to finance it with 80% from a conventional mortgage and 20% + closing + set-up costs covered by a private investor. I've been running it as a STR with much better returns than I initially estimated. Cashflow is tight because of the financing costs but that should turn around quickly as summer kicks in full and COVID restrictions recede.
I now have made 5+ offers for 3 BR and 4 BR apartments in Acapulco again looking for a lease option. I need to follow this path until I can get pre-approved for another mortgage. So far I have been turned down from the lease option by two owners, but one of them agreed to my purchase price. If his property is still available in a couple of months I might negotiate again. But hopefully I will find a seller willing to sign a lease option to speed things up!
When I wrote my first post on BP I never thought it would be possible for me to buy an apartment with $0 down while holding on to my studio. Now that I know how it worked out I feel limitless and buying a second, larger deal within six months of the first one seams like a real possibility. And why stop there? If I can get preapproved again after my second deal, I will shoot for a third one this year!
The information available in this site has turned out to be invaluable to me. Thanks to all who make it happen, including members. Thanks to all of you.