Either people need to start earning more money (we can debate this since it looks like we are already in a recession here), interest rates need to decline (looks like the Fed is about to start doing this) or prices need to decline which has already started to happen.My vote is on lower interest rates and price declines until the market finds its balance and you see transactions start to increase.

I'm interested in learning what others in a similar situation use for asset protection from potential lawsuits.

Their salesmen calls you hounding you to buy so far they don’t have a great way to filter out opportunities at t seems.  

The FED went BIG with a half of percentage rate cut at today's meeting and indicated an additional .5% before the years end. 

This is the portion of your payments that is applied to reducing the principle on the loan versus paid to the lender in interest.

Compared to the US, the financing is different (if you need any), the legal system is different (you need to vet the parties), pre-construction works differently (if that's what you want to buy), the buyer/seller psychology is different, ...It's important that you get the needed knowledge or work with people who have it and have their interests aligned with yours.I have replied to hundreds of posts about investing in Mexico over the years so you might find some what you look for there.

If yes, what is the usual inclusions and rate?

I am also interested in this idea.

Interested in where this would be a financially viable business model to pursue if not here and what the margins would look like

Landlords must return security deposits with interest or give tenants written notice of damages being claimed within twenty-one (21) days of when tenants move.