I don't know what it costs but it can't be cheap and would likely defeat the purpose.

A like-for-like property in Mexico is much generally cheaper than in the US but properties in great locations aren't that cheap that you can pay cash for 4 properties with $400k (unless they're minuscule) but you could use financing if you have access to it.8.

Because debt was super cheap and the house prices had a massive reset, almost a fool's gold era.

Does it make sense to pay a premium for cheap interest rates with seller financing, or would it just be better to put 25% and forget about my 15% criteria and just go for distressed sellers and just get a commercial loan. 

Make sure you buy lightweight/cheap furniture you want in your home. 

Obviously mounted up high in a readily visible spot "trail cams" work just as well (as a possible visual deterrent), very cheap online. 

The prior Farmers insurance was relatively cheap so near the beginning of escrow I asked the management company if they could switch over the policies (or get a new policy) from Farmers using their contacts.  

I would start by removing carpet and cleaning what you can, paint and then ozone as long as it takes.Ozone is cheap, but with fresh paint and new carpet it might ad up to $10k.

Prices are still cheap, you can still get cash flow, and I've seen a ton of appreciation in my own portfolio. 

Lesson learned was getting a test it was cheap, feeling better knowing it was safe before we rented it out was better still.This happened prior to our closing on the deal, so slightly different situation.