@Nathan Asher Robson
I want to share a few things on this topic. I'm Canadian and I have been travelling to DR for 14 years. That has included several trips from all-inclusive resorts to renting. I have been up and down both the north and south coast, explored Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo. I have been down through La Romana and was fortunate enough to visit beautiful spots such as Isla Saona and Playa Caleton. I have travelled with friends, family, and alone. A majority of my time has been spent on the North Coast in the Cabarete/Sosua areas as that is my preference and just for the record I have never been out to Punta Cana though I have been close to.
Please take everything you hear from the media and certin individuals with a grain of salt. The DR is not like many individuals would take the time to describe and I mean that in more then one way.
Bad **** goes on in the DR. Terrible things happen. Guess what? The United states is full of it.. more corruption, more violence, a lot more things to look out for as far as physical safety and busines/financial safety. In Canada it is the same way.
Some areas are safer then others, just like the US. Some people are more dangerous then others, just like the US. You say the wrong thing to the wrong dude or be in the wrong place at the wrong time you could be in for it, just like the US.
Here is the real difference.. The game is played DIFFERENTLY down there. Its not about more or less safe etc etc bs. People who talk **** about it are really just out of their comfort zone, and I dont blame them for feeling that way, though you would think they would be a bit more mindful of these things before commenting.
Consider what @George Munoz said about their economy. It is one of the strongest economies in the carribean. They have their challenges also. Real estate is much different down there. Homes will sit on the market much longer. The rules and laws of real estate are different. The opportunities show themselves in alternative ways then what you might find in the US or Canada. A lot of the fundamentals of investing (and life) are similar, but DR has its nuances.
I would suggest you do not buy there until you spend some time there. Go and talk to the people. They are fantastic people honestly.
I have been down there and looked at Real Estate and investment opportunities. Almost bought a night club in a popular resort town, but the deal fell through. Which I am grateful for because I wasnt ready to handle business in the DR at that time.
For me personally, if the right opportunity popped up in the DR I would seriously consider it, but only because of the amount of time and familiarity I have with the place.
Hope that helps.
