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Bridgette,
Welcome to the boards!  We are still stateside ourselves, but can tell you from what I have read (read the blogs, they are GREAT!) the fur babies should be fine - make sure you have all the shots and stuff current and the correct forms before you import them. 
Can't really address the wholesale car business - it seems as though importing vehicles would be pretty pricey, but maybe there is a market for that.  Those already in country can advise way better than I.
Everything I have heard about real estate indicates you want to find a person you trust and who has been recommended to you by someone you know.  There are even a few folks here that have connections, and I have been looking at everything I can get my hands on.
We are going to make a trip down there this year.  We have been before, but never with the intention of staying, so we need to pay close attention to what areas we like, etc.

Happy Searching,

Laurie,
Cruisin Camper

I know golf carts are used there more than cars, and yes importing is very expensive, so I am sure we can find something else to do.  Where are you planning on staying when you visit (what district?) We want to go as well, and hopefully we can this year. The only thing that would hinder us from moving is the girls.  They will be grown by then and if they have kids etc... getting back and forth can be expensive.  Plus I am also looking at tax issues and what that means for my investments when I move while keeping US citizenship...there's a whole lot to consider.
I really look forward to hearing about your trip when you go!
Happy visiting!!!
Bridgette

Hi!

I'm preparing for a move in two years myself, and still learning as much as I can!

To semi-answer your question on opening a car business-- where would you be living? This makes a huge difference. While places like Caye Caulker and Placencia rely on golf cart more than car, the interior of the country is rural and depends on trucks and cars. Though not as prolific as in U.S., they are still very important. Gas is also more expensive in Belize. There is a Ford factory in Mexico that if I remember correctly makes different models of cars than those available in the U.S. that are suited for this environment. These would be the ones you should look to importing, if that's the route you want to take!

Hoping to help!

We will be staying in a few districts as we have yet to determine where we'd like to end up.  In the Corozal District we will stay at the Copa Banana (all these plans are subject to when we determine we can head down there for a few weeks)and Blue Tang looks good on Ambergris, and the Casa Blanca in San Ignacio, Cayo.  Since we only have the few weeks we hope that will give us a feel for each area - at least a small taste.  We still want to spend a few days in Caye Caulker too.  I will keep checking in to see what others have to say about our plans. 

Quick question, does anyone know if we start the residency program as soon as we enter the country, can we get work permits for less after the first year?  Not sure we will have to work - but it would be good to know.  I understand that while you wait for your residency to become official you can not work, even with a permit?

Laurie
The Cruisin Camper