If you calculate, Playa has 1 listing for 27 inhabitants whereby Tulum has 1 listing for 9 inhabitants so Tulum proportionately has 3 times more listings than Playa.

Concurrently, I'm contemplating purchasing a more expensive property similar to my current residence, which I would then inhabit for around two years.

A local real estate agent with knowledge of multifamily homes in the region should be consulted.Check that the rent reported for the inhabited side is accurate.

There is a property adjacent to a property I own that has a inhabitable home on it.

Nothing about who else inhabited the unit and nothing about pets.

The complaint is it’s inhabited and it’s obviously not.

The contractor will have to take down an exterior wall when they begin framing making the master bedroom inhabitable.

Would you continue to inhabit a place with the utilities off and knowing that you're not welcome?....

Here is the problem with owner occupied remote: 1. the house has to be inhabitable soon after closing or you will get hit with housing costs X 2 which probably makes qualifying a problem. 2. most lenders want a letter from your employer stating you can work remote for 36 more months in the future (few employers are willing to promise this). 

Since you are buying as an investment you will need a lease at closing, so it has to be inhabitable.