Personally, I would not put US$200K through the DR system.
Have you ever considered Panama for your banking needs?
I'm sure a house purchase will have no bearing on your permanent residency speed.
If you serious about living in the DR, I suggest you take the time to speak "personally" with Fabio Guzman (lawyer) who moderates this forum. He's comes highly recommended and used by many people that frequent DR1. I'm sure he can explain in detail the in's and out's of doing business here and the tax implications etc etc etc.