Soosahn,
There are many expats happily working and/or retired in Sosua and other areas of DR. That you're having second thoughts is probably a good thing - as long as it doesn't indicate excessive worrying, I'd say it means you'll have a good chance of being happy in DR since you won't just 'jump into something' that could be a problem.
Take into account the things you've read:
- rent for a while before you put money into a purchasing a place to live
- when choosing where you'll live, take into account the advice in the forum about trying not to live in too isolated an area
- listen to advice from anyone - expats & Dominicans - but be discretionary in what advice you take to heart as some people have agendas that profit them while not necessarily good for you
- many problems can be avoided with reasonable caution & research up front, however should you run into conflicts with others - property rights, legal issues, criminal activity - sometimes it is better to walk away than to pursue what you believe is right. some people are more aggressive in maintaining their shady pursuits than you want to go up against
- avoid anything/anyone that hints of something illegal or risky as you hopefully would in your home country
Come, join the fun
