You've got your reading cut out for you.
The good news is that you can pick up so much valuable info, that it can make the difference of making it or breaking it.
Renting for the first 6 months or so is wise, as it will enable you to be sure of your decision, and it's enough time to decide on location.
As the POP airport is in Sosua, you might make that your starting point & work from there.