Beware that 1) some lenders might not lend in Tulum because they deem it too risky given the oversupply situation and 2) other lenders won't lend if the purchase price is below $750k because you can't get title insurance in Tulum specifically.Finally, beware also that there's a huge difference between a lifestyle purchase and a (profitable) investment purchase, the latter being all about numbers.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

But will a lender finance ?

Talk to a lender and see what you qualify for.3.

I have a "notebook" (that's basically a file folder, in Evernote) for different types of info I want to have access to later: lender info, referrals for service providers, property listings that I come across and want to check out later, websites that have demographic info... all sorts of things.

Until you have established track record you probably won't find a lender willing to help you acquire (mortgage) a property in the name of an LLC.

In this scenario I'd recommend approaching your lender first and getting a bank appraisal on the property to figure out how much $ you technically have to maneuver with. 

@Scott BridgehouseUnless the lender stipulates differently in their documents (like VA financing that requires owner occupany for the duration of the mortgage), 'owner occupancy' requires that you move in within 60 days and retain it as your primary residence for 12 months. 

I can give you a list of earnest money lenders.

A more streamlined approach, which still offers a significant degree of protection, would involve grouping properties by state under separate LLCs, as I did.As you delve deeper into real estate investment, you may also want to explore syndications and private placements.