Rent don't buy. Come on 60 day exempt to look around. If you're moving within a few months, best to sign your lease during low season. Then rerun home and apply for a non-o visa from your home country.
One thing to try is to visit other countries that may be easier to get a visa. Ie have her passport show a travel history and returns. Better if with you, providing copies of joint travel entry and exit stamps.
With current administration in USA the process will be even more restrictive if that's possible.
was talking about flying to another country. You're only showed 30 days recent in Mexico. When you apply for a visa for longer stay, state department gets notified.
This discussion is about government payment when raising our if country, not a walk to Tijuana.