The reason I post this here is because I got totally different answers from two CPAsHere is the story:I bought the house as investment property and run it as STR for the last two years.

I’ve done some research and have found that some banks will allow the seller finance portion from the seller to go towards the down payment of the loan, is that true?

Your lender should use the f/f that can finance the property.  

3) How well prepped was your property?

If you are living there you can keep the 4% rate.If you are not living there you can rent it out to pay for the property taxes. 

They cited insurance reasons, which could very well be true, but many residents felt it as a big "f you" Now folks from outside the community could argue this was an entitled stance from the residents, to feel they had access to this private land when they didn't, and that on the face is certainly true.

I have had a long term interest in purchasing an investment property and I'm looking to be smarter about this.

Look for distressed properties or FSBO signs.

Went and viewed about 10 properties, made an offer on one without a buyer's agent, so that the selling agent would double end the deal and they accepted a below ask offer at a time when prices were climbing.How did you finance this deal?

There's actually a huge oversupply of properties in Tulum and none of my friends who own property there make anything close to that!