Are there any potential risks or downsides I should keep in mind before proceeding?

My duplex - built 1989, 2,060 sf, 2 bed/bath, 1 year old roof, value if I subdivide (county already approved) and sell each separately $150k each ($300k total)Investor duplex - built 1995, 2,300 sf, 2 bed/bath, 5 year old roof, value around $310kThe investors initial request was for an equal trade and they would pay realtor fees, which I replied wouldn't be equal due to buying/selling costs (recording fees, title insurance, closing fee, survey, inspections, loan fees, 1031 fees, accountant fees, repairs), taxes would increase due to new sale price, I'd trade a 3.75% mortgage for a higher one, and I'm on the 10th year of a 30 year loan so resetting that to a new loan would restart amortization and pay more towards interest.

@Nick Rivers Check your connection requests and inbox. 

Find a partner, find co-workers/friends/relatives you wouldn’t mind living with, find a property you can buy for less than your current rent.

But, it may not offer the ROI as other locales, and it may not be "fun" like buying in a favorite vacation spot.2 - The highest ROI folks - Self explanatory, will go where ROI is high and/or regulation low.3 - The second home/retirement minded - These people are looking for minimal ROI but want the house in a specific location because they like to use the property and want it to pay for itself.

Would you mind sharing the locations you mentioned?

I'm so glad you brought up trash, totally slipped my mind in my eval.

I have been following the Real Estate Investing industry for a while and just recently decided to put my focus into it and implement a plan I had in mind for years.So I went down to Puerto Vallarta I put together a team of local realtors, brokers, contractors, property managers and a lawyer. 

Real estate has always been in the back of my mind as a way to increase our wealth and provide for our family.

I texted her the rent amount on Tuesday afternoon (per her request) & the various ways to pay it - she said she would "get with me on the payment".