Quote from @Nathan Gesner: There are approximately 2.5 million vacation homes in America.While technically correct, I think it is important to point out that many of those vacation homes are in rural areas where there is minimal work opportunities.

Bank - used another property with equity to minimize my down payment to $5,000.00 How did you add value to the deal?

Excel works fine for tracking expenses with minimal units.

I bought in downtown Rosarito in the condo complexes as i felt it would be better than buying a home since we dont live and minimal maintenance. 

I would like to avoid/minimize as many mistakes as possible.

However, I have been trying to figure out possible creative financing options to build more without having to sell, but I cannot seem to find a lender willing to do 100% down on land and construction even though the LTV would be below 50% since I can basically build for costs of material plus minimal labor by doing almost all of it myself , with a little help here and there.

If you can find a house or duplex where rental income covers a significant portion of the mortgage, it could help you build equity while minimizing your living expenses.I'd recommend looking into first-time homebuyer programs in your area, and as always, make sure the numbers work for you.

Focus on turning it around and getting it rented as quickly as possible to minimize losses.2.

My personal goals focus on appreciation, so I'm okay with making minimal positive cash flow in an area that is appreciating quickly, even if rent rates are increasing at a slower pace.

Understanding their exit strategy—how they plan to pay back the loan—is crucial for minimizing risk.Don’t overlook the property itself.