You can find a market in New York to accommodate pretty much any investment style.

I manage large commercial and industrial properties now for my employer, I am a facilities manager for a large utility company in my area.  

I've been hearing alot about the market in Florida.

Pick a market drill deep into that market, learn the market and success will follow.

Ill take that over the stock market day in and day out! 

The market for buyers on QCD is going to be smaller so you are limiting your market with a QCD but we buy/sell homes all the time via QCD just need to find the right parties.  

How fast or slow that is depends on your market and price. 

I used to know the Dominican market quite well, as I was seriously considering investing there.

I know that California markets are so challenging to invest in for cash flow (which is what I am looking for as a new investor).

This could also mean making decisions that allow your business to operate independently from restrictive partnerships, heavy reliance on a single client, or dependence on specific market conditions.