If it's a long-term play, the potential savings on PMI with a conventional loan could be significant.Have you compared rates for both options?

We intentionally compared them against each other on different properties.

Compared to what?  

Compare other rentals with a similar size, location and bedroom count to get an estimate of what the rent would be while you're living there.

Run your own airbnb comps and see how your rates, pics, and amenities, compare to them.

I know you mentioned other units are listed comparably but asking price is not the same as rented price.

I feel that they have over-performed for the price and are a great value compared to the prices paid by my peers.

How pricey are comparable properties and their costs?

I often see him comment on threads where Costa Rica is mentioned saying that Costa Rica isn't a good investment compared to the investments that he does for himself and others in countries like Mexico.  

What is the expected return on investment, and how does it compare to syndication in terms of advantages and disadvantages?