I'm starting to feel saving some towards 20% down payment now would be a good idea as my loans have 8 years left on them and not really a rush to get paid off.  

Why not look for an owner occupant directly rather than going through this person? 

Based on your fact pattern (was a personal residence first and then a rental, not vice versa) I think you might be looking better.

There are some other sources Im sure but Ive personally used the ones I recommended.

From what I keep seeing on MLS and from what I know of friends trying to sell cabins it sure doesn’t feel that way.  

Here's an article with some examples: https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/one-extra-mortgag...You can also search for "early mortgage payoff calculator" and enter your own numbers to see how extra payments impact your mortgage.

There are no laws, rules or regulations preventing any foreigner, American or otherwise, to buy property in CDMX or Mexico for that matter.If, by having success, you mean getting a profitable investment, I'm sure many American and other investors got that over the last few years (I personally haven't since I've focused my efforts on Mexico's beach markets, which are far better in my opinion.

Personally I don't really care for the upgrades.

Feel free to send me some deals , which you really hate to let go.At least it will help others. 

to get to the point, i would find an area likely to experience more demand and ensure the financials work out for both MTR & LTR's. i would ideally start out with a fourplex and depending how that goes, possibly scale from there. i do believe that it is more traditional to syndicate on larger properties so i am wondering if you know if it is possible to syndicate, starting off, for one fourplex or even one MTR condo. my gut feeling is to start with one beach-front condo in florida that requires $37,250 down . a new construction fourplex, however, i could finance with a USDA loan myself and not have to consider investors so that may make things easier, possibly.no airbnb's. maybe VRBO. two week minimum stay. only in areas very likely to have housing demand due to new factories being built.i own/run an STR right now and it is going well with only the occasional hiccup.