If you are interested in surviving at this level, it only requires imagination, a pleasant disposition, and knowledge of Spanish or an English-Spanish dictionary. Renting a house, especially in a beach town, requires patience and tenacity. Usually more than half of the dwellings are empty, used only for Easter, Christmas, and an occasional weekend. Ask people in the town where you want to stay if they know of a house to rent. Then sit back and wait.
Word spreads very fast.
Most of them have never known people from the U.S. and welcome the opportunity to watch us at close range. Of course, all prices are variable, depending upon factors known only to the hotel clerk or owner. Technically, a U.S. citizen is allowed a six-month visa. However, this depends on the whims of immigration officials. There are also permits available for people who legally work in Mexico.