The reason the answer is framed this way is because when you take a HELOC out to make repairs on your personal residence, you are allowed to tax the interest deduction on your Schedule A of your 1040 income tax return.

Washer/dryers are often abused, so there's the initial cost of purchase and the risk of increased repairs.

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.

Because real estate always goes up and the maintenance fairy takes care of all repairs free of charge.Seems like a recipe for disaster. 

How about repairs ?  

It would depend on the nature of the repair.

Also, prioritize repairs over aesthetics if anything structural or foundational needs attention.

Rental income is subject to tax, but it is also possible to deduct many costs related to owning and maintaining rental property, including property management fees, repairs, and mortgage interest payments.Additionally, for those investors holding properties in Germany for the long-term, the country's capital gains tax law is attractive.

Account for all costs, including closing fees, holding costs, and repairs.

With my own portfolio I generally underwrite with 10% for repairs, 10% for cap ex, 5 percent for vacancy.