Have you discussed the strategy with your CPA? 

Here are a few strategies to consider for funding a down payment:Partnering: Like Gregory mentioned, finding a partner who can contribute to the down payment in exchange for equity or a profit share is a solid option.HELOC or Cash-Out Refi: If you have equity in your home or another property, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can provide the funds you need.Private Money: Reach out to friends, family, or private investors who may be interested in lending you the down payment with a promissory note.Seller Second: In some cases, the seller might agree to finance a portion of the down payment as a second mortgage.Live Frugally and Save: It takes time, but reducing expenses and setting aside funds from your income is a tried-and-true method.The right approach depends on your situation and deal structure, but a mix of creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

Great tools that get updated regularly.I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.We are all here to help you learn and grow.

Do we have anyone that has personal experience with a 1031 strategy that is sponsored by an UPREIT?

It is essential to have a great team. 

Two flats are essentially just houses.... they trade like houses and there is a lot of emotion involved.

That’s correct, a foreigner can buy property through a Mexican corporation, which is a great option for those investing in multiple properties or running a rental business.Key Points I'd like to add to your post:Setup Costs: $1,500–$3,000 USD.Ongoing Costs: $1,000–$2,000 USD/year for accounting and tax filings.Benefits: Allows tax deductions for expenses like maintenance, repairs, and management.Best for: Multiple properties or income-generating investments.For a single property for personal use, a fideicomiso is often simpler and more cost-effective due to its lower maintenance requirements and feesUltimately, choosing between a corporation and a fideicomiso comes down to your investment strategy.

Educate yourself with resources like The House Hacking Strategy and practice analyzing deals using tools like BiggerPockets calculators.

Essentially it was necessary to "buy" cash flow with a higher down payment. 

The book on tax strategies for real estate investor by Amanda Han and Matthew Macfarland.I read these two books when I first started investing and found the information very helpful.