buying apt. in santiago

Hey,
I'm thinking to buy an apartment in Santiago, specifically in Villa Olga, and I'm looking for a little help.

First of all, Villa Olga is supposedly middle-to upper class and really nice. Does anyone know how far it from the Monumento and the center of Santiago?

Secondly, I think I've found a pretty good deal, but I'm a little leery of buying something overseas. Any recommendations on a good real estate attorney?

Finally, would Dominican banks honor a cashier's check from my bank here in the United States? How would I go about bringing/sending the money to complete the transaction?

If anybody can help on any of these fronts, I'd absolutely appreciate it.

Thanks,
Kitty

No, I would not buy something sight unseen. I have sent relatives to look at it and seen pictures, but before I buy anything I would of course check it out myself.

Thanks for the other advice. I just wondered if anyone local might have special insight as to how good an investment real estate in Santiago might be.