Will let others address work permits. Real estate investing is something I do know about. There are two big problems with RE investing in Belize. Obtaining money and vacancies. If you need to borrow funds to purchase the interest rates are high-around 12%. If you can borrow funds at lower rates else where it would make more sense. But,not much, there is still the problem of vacancy and there will be plenty of vacant time. We have been there in Jan, Feb. and May. and at those times, there were always lots of places to stay. Translation -vacancy. If you are going to use your own cash to purchase you still need to figure what return you would get if you did not purchase a rental property. Have you done any real estate investing in Canada? My suggestion is come live in paradise (rent)for at least a year before you buy anything. Rents are reasonable and see what is out there for you. Ambergris caye is a wonderful place. If you wish to get into further discussion, I will be glad to answer any questions. And, perhaps some one on the board has rental property and could give some insight.