As a CPA and real estate investor who is a general partner in two syndications, I want to share some practical advice to set realistic expectations.

He's absolutely right that using debt to control cash flow is also creating tax free cash for expansion.

From talking to locals, there's a couple of issues than need to be addressed, some are the non-ecological practices that some of those developers have, unfortunately, our government profits from this investors and allows them to destroy manglers (which are the natural water purifying system of that area) dismantling hectares of mangroves and degraded the habitat of resident and migratory species burying animals alive.There's proof of fecal material floating beneath the city of Tulum, only 20% of the water is sent to the water treatment plant, there's no infrastructure for the exponential growth.The landfills in the middle of the jungle that is leaking hazardous pollutants into the freshwater system and that something that developers won't tell you.I love my country and it would be a disaster for everybody if this place ends up like some other great beaches around the world, that are completely ruined by greedy investors not following the rules.There's no urban or comprehensive master plan, and one of the risks is that Tulum will be like Playa del Carmen is today, overgrown and with environmental devastation.I will advise doing a lot of research before getting something in Tulum, different country, different rules, and practices.

If you catch these at the pre-foreclosure stage as slow pays or initially in default all the better as the bank has less in collection expense.You can still work out a discount but even buying at the payoff it can be profitable depending on the property value.You can practically force a lender to sell as it can fully indemnify them as a full payoff as demanded, continuing with a foreclosure becomes a rather vengeful act by the bank to punish a borrower, they don't want to go there.

He ended up finding an eight-plex in a growing neighborhood that’s now practically printing rent checks for him.

You have to practice and find smart ways to move around PPC/PPL is definitely something I’m keeping on my radar, it’s great to hear that it's working for you and bringing in motivated sellers.

Best practices for security deposit deductions (damages)?

While many of these issues are important considerations and should not be ignored or overlooked, there are other more crucial criteria that you must question and evaluate first.The critical risk criteria that you must review and evaluate prior to making your final decision on which 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediary to retain includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:Technical capability of the 1031 Exchange Qualified IntermediaryInternal processes and audit controls to safeguard your 1031 Exchange funds and assetsUse of Qualified Trust Accounts or Qualified Escrow AccountsDecision criteria and guidelines for investment of your 1031 Exchange fundsProtection from potential errors or omissions by the Qualified Intermediary (E&O Insurance) Protection from potential theft or embezzlement of 1031 Exchange funds (Fidelity Bond) An experienced and professional 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediary will understand these concerns and should be happy to discuss these crucial issues with you.

I admittedly have a bias against condos for the following reasons:1) HOAs - both a lack of control over fees and assessments, as well as potential regulation changes2) they don’t appreciate as much3) you have to work a lot harder to differentiate yourself from your neighbors. 

Quote from @Gary Bonds: Any best practices when attempting to secure business funding from a bank, in the form of a loan or credit?