A loan is better that has a lower rate, a longer amortization, and a shorter prepayment penalty.... 

LTC/LTV also lower which combined with depository relationship makes borrowing even more capital intensive.

If this Cap is allowed to expire, I would think that there will be a rush to take advantage of it.That should increase demand for higher priced Homes because the Standard Deduction gets reduced significantly AND you can go way above the Standard Deduction by Itemizing the SALT Deductions.If your comps are Single Family Homes and/or small Multi-Family that can convert to an Owner Occupied (think BRRRR here), it is well should rise in value as the Federal Tax deduction lowers the monthly payments for every homeowner with a large Mortgage that also pays State and Local Taxes. too funny I had not thought of the Salt deductions in years and today it popped into my mind then you post this.. very true for high priced markets this will be a huge bene

You can't compete against the all-inclusives unless you offer complimentary food and booze or you're cheap, as you seem to be confirming.This being said:1) Properties in Mexico/Cancun trade in USD so you have no foreign exchange risk in Mexico while properties in Colombia are traded in COP, the Colombian peso, which has been tanking over the years, eliminating any hope for capital gains for American investors.2) You can get a mortgage in Mexico but you can't in Colombia so even with lower revenue, Cancun would likely still be more profitable, even if you don't take capital gains into account.3) The political risk is much higher in Colombia, especially at this present time.Is Cartagena a bad investment?

Are you willing to lose it all for a 20% return or take lower risk for an 8-12% return (but always have risk of losing it all). 

Lots of Acres at lower cost? 

They will help you ensure you don’t accidentally leave money on the table by helping you study your competition and by raising or lowering your rates so you can compete better.

I know this is a business but advice on purchasing a property and wanting to raise the rent up to fair market from being so much lower?

These loans often have more straightforward qualification requirements for investors with multiple properties but may have slightly higher rates.Cash-Out Refinance on Your Single-Family Rentals: If each has around $70k in equity, a cash-out refinance could provide some capital for the down payment, renovation costs, or even help you buy the 4-plex outright.FHA 203(k) or Conventional rehab loan: If you’re planning to occupy one of the units as a primary, FHA’s 203(k) loan or a conventional renovation loan could help with purchase and rehab costs at lower interest ratesPortfolio Loan: Some local banks may offer portfolio loans for investors with multiple properties.

Depreciation I am less concerned with as I agree, based on what I understand, it's lowering taxes now, which will have to be paid later when the house is sold.