I am for sure biased but I would highly suggest using a real estate agent that is a) familiar with that community b) is well versed in selling to non-Mexican citizens and c) has stellar reviews.

I agree....but the OP should still bear in mind that these Blue cities will still have very tenant-friendly laws in place, so that should be weighed into the decision as well....IMHO. 

I think this program is an incredible way for new young investors who might make under the income limit, to house hack in high cost areas, which will appreciate well, and then afterward they can buy more rental property potentially in cash flow areas.   

I am an ambitious retired network engineer who started that career after closing down my first business which was in the automobile industry، sooner later I developed an interest in investing in my property and other ones by using Airbnb. it was a really funny story to begin but you know that after one year I would be managing 33 luxury apartments distributed across one of the fastest growing communities in my country.

Aim for 6+beds and theme 3 bedrooms strongly and you should do well.

2 years since I've been a loan officer.. was selling cashout refi for mostly VA but FHA and Conv as well...

And does the driving time count as well?

It could be you're not marketing it well enough, it may be time to hire a broker.

If you're considering it as a vacation spot as well, look for an area that excites you and offers interesting attractions.

I'm investing in accounting services with Ximplifi to do this as well as building out the reports I need to see daily.