EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

Be logical, don't expect the best, and thus allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised if/when rates come down.

And there are some surprisingly affordable places there.Maybe my thinking was that I could constrain my research and 'education' to that specific geography and then apply what I learn to other areas I might consider.

Thats not surprising since there is no electricity or hot water.

To each their one indeed.On another note, I'm surprised about your comment about the cartels, especially since you lived in Mexico and I don't see the connection with real estate investing.

It doesn't completely surprise me that some of houses haven't sold as fast as they could, but it is what it is.  

You're better off having none than having one used up roll and a surprised, angry guest in a predicament.

I do not make such offers often and am surprised when someone does not make use of the offer.  

I was surprised because they portray it as such an elusive program/opportunity. 

I'm surprised the properties haven't been seized yet.