Make sure its viable as a long term rental in case STR gets banned.

Although it appears to be in the process of being gentrified with home prices in that area increasing 72% over the last 5 years. 

Also, what isn't very well known is that a large number of Dominicans living in the country (especially the capital) aren't poor as the Dominican economy has been booming over the last 20 years.

If I start with no money and no experience, how long should it take me to have enough income to replace my salary and retire?

**Realtor Referrals:** Lastly, I'm in search of reputable realtors in the area who have experience working with investors like myself.

You can have a really good credit score within two years, which is how long you need to pay off your debt and save up for the next home.7.

If this is a qualified retirement account (tsp’s are) then you can transfer/roll this into an SDIRA or solo 401k and as long as the custodian allows for alternative asset investing you can invest in real estate or just about whatever you want.  

We are both passionate about real estate investing and have been for the last 5 years.

To make a long, expensive story short, we discovered that builder failed to insulate an entire 3rd attic space and didn't seal wall cavities up in the main attic or insulate chases properly (Inspector failed too). 

Hard money should be somewhat of a last resort if the property or credit can't qualify.