After doing more research, I have learned some things.1) It is very, very difficult to obtain financing for properties in Mexico; even more-so as a "non-resident."2) As a newbie to REI, it's probably unwise for me to start my investing experience offshore.3) It's probably better to explore a foreign country on my own before committing fully to it.Thus, I have formulated a plan which I think will work for me.

What you don't want to do is gamble ALL of your college savings and then end up without an education nor real estate.

It is basically a gamble.

And if you fail to do this and get stuck with a bad investment (gamble), you can't blame any one but yourself.

If you are willing to gamble your earnest money, then that is fine.  

So I don't gamble on it. 

There are some great programs out there to help owners with lead compliance projects.If having lead certificates is a priority for you, and it's not for all investors, then don't gamble with it.

FYI alcohol was illegal in some cities, gambling too, this nothing so bad and its the owners place should be aloud to do what feeds your family. 

Of course you could offer a slight premium depending on your comfort level with getting approvals but otherwise you are just taking a gamble to pay much more than the as-is value...

What my investors have done is place their capital in an offshore company which then operates in the US as a foreign company.