Hi,My name is Michael and I’m pretty new to this real estate investing but I am fully committed to it.

Interest rates are up, and look at these forums: there is less demand for real estate, particularly anything with an investment purpose.  

The best protection for you and your investments?

I also invest lend on deals within my footprint. 

Investment Info:Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

Or general thoughts on investing in similar islands in the Caribbean?

I no longer work from a place of scarcity.I set myself up for success and work from a place of abundance.I have built my cash buyer list to close to 5,000 buyers, invested into a coaching program for private lending, and developed multiple exit strategies to be ready for any situation that presents itself.It let's me earn $40k per deal consistently today and occasionally hit some $90k+ homeruns.Embrace your mistakes, learn from them, and adapt.This is the only way to grow. 

Property is still on the market and I am sure if I can find the funds they would consider me again.The property is going to be a challenge but since I don't have experience in investing I don't know if a hard money loan would work.Any ideas in funding? 

I am new to real estate investing and was looking into taking a heloc on my primary to purchase land and do a construction loan.

After paying off any existing loans, whatever remains from that $140K is what you can “cash out” and put in your pocket.For example:ARV: $175K80% of ARV: $140KExisting loan: $100KCash-out: $40KYou could pocket the entire $140K if there's no existing loan.Decide between refinancing or selling based on whether you want to keep the property, use the equity for another investment, or take the profit and move on.