Rather the equity than the taxable gain.

Even in a perfect world with no maintenance and no vacancy, you would pay $700/month or more in the hopes of gaining equity.

Hi Fellow investors, I have been using BP to gain insights in real estate investing and have been applying them in my townhome rental units.

Also, the owner expressed concerns over the capital gains tax early in the discussion...so I am thinking the opportunity to do vendor financing will help me get a good purchase price and help the vendor with taxes.  

Let's think about what fox news would gain from telling people Mexico is dangerous?

If you pay the surcharge of 2.5% that's $3,750 so you net a gain.  

You will have to do something unique to make it effective & useful to you... because it's always no pain, no gain!

I'm no tax pro but I don't think the debt really matters, you will still pay capital gains. 

The knowledge you gain from it will enable you to grow 10X in the future.

Other options could look like a property closer to you or in an area you are more familiar with, could be turnkey options with an established company, could be partnering with someone to gain some experience.