Croix's economy (mainly tourism product) has not been as strong as the other two islands.

It boils down to the product, if you have a good product that people can attest to, they will want you units regardless, if you have sub-par units you will have a tough time renting. 

Hold up and slow down the train.

SF has seen double digit growths and it's slowing down, yet, still growing.

I met my partner in 2010 and we have been slowing investing in real estate since.

I went to Than Merril conference but as soon as I realized it was less training and more selling of their products , I lost interest .

I’ve heard lots of great stories from people I have met over the years, be it from flippers, commercial real estate investors, or just regular folks that are slowing building a portfolio of rental properties to support them in retirement.

., one big issue is that using your model of "flipping" you will not be able to use the 1031 exchange so you need to put ordinary income tax + Self employment etc into your proformas to make sure you can still get the return you want.1031 exchanges are for property that has been held for "productive use in business trade or investment".  

The philosopher of republicanism, Thomas Jefferson, had defined the essence of liberty as independence, which required the ownership of productive property.

That product is not commonly purchased in residential loans away from newbies.