First thing to consider is what was the original foundation design and can it hold a second story to a home.

Get a good architect first and design what you need don't jump the gun. 

Our goal is to design/build a house that can legitimately be a big SFR or a Padsplit property.

It's designed to ensure someone nearby can manage things responsibly.Your plan to hire a local person for emergencies and other tasks is a great workaround.

Skyline (Designed for institutional investors and asset managers focused on commercial portfolios). 

Supply of STR units: We have seen developers in Tulum building cookie-cutter projects with a high density and cheap design/finishes, these units are not renting that well and some owners have switched to long-term rentals, which were very expensive and scarce.

And most importantly how do design your landscaping?

I am a former interior designer and did a great deal of work staging homes for sale.

From what I can tell online, the RF1 zoning district is designed primarily for single family row houses (like townhomes).

I'll post updates here in case anyone wants to follow along.We syndicated in the states to fundraise enough for architectural renders, entitlement, legal, and to pay off the land. 1/4 of total funds required have been deposited in our bank account.Convinced a world-class architect to do luxury design for us.