I'm really interested in taking action now.

While it is cheaper than the USA, everything in Ecuador is in dollars from the cost of food to real estate.

In addition, there are some serious headwinds in some markets with saturation of units, the demand for travel slowing as people struggle to pay for things such as housing, healthcare, food, etc.

But you said you're a newbie and I can sense the excitement in your post but there's a lot to consider beyond enthusiasm to accomplish what you want to do.With that said I'm going to give you a ray of hope- A few years ago, I believe after Hurrican Katrina, there was a small town that became a food desert.

Food servers and bar tenders are harder, almost none of them report their substantial tip income on their taxes and it doesn't show up (accurately) on their paystubs.

I see in insurance claims, during the CZU fire, food and hotel stay was claimed.

I had new tenants move in and I believe they are letting friends stay over night and are preparing food for a business.

Then a few years ago the cast iron pipe from the main cleanout to the intake under the house finally failed (settling + tree roots), so jack-hammers and fun ensued.

Many households earning less than half the median income, spend more than 70% of their income on rent, leaving little money for essential needs like food and healthcare. 

And also by not implementing things like rent control, S8, free phones/food/etc and allow prices to rise to the point those on the lower economic end give up and move.The only thing this Bill would do if passed is drive more landlords out of the business, reduce construction of new units, and cause rent to go higher.