I have spent a lot of time in SA and for sure it is a great place to buy. Couple of suggestions
1/ In your tag line it says you surf. In Tamarindo (costa rica) the surfing is exceptional and the ladies........awesome. Low crime and relatively cheap. San Jose is a non starter for me (lot's of crime). Your looking at 200-300 for a decent place.
2/ Florionopolis- Brazil is the place to go if you like Brailians. Smaller city than Rio, less crime and less tourists (it does fill up with brazilian tourists in their summer though. Rented a great place for 2 monthes at 600 per month.
3/ Ecuador- I am currently doing a lot of research on Ecuador. Really, really inexpensive but crime is rising there and the government is getting more corrupt by the day (drug money) but you can find a decent place for about 150,000. You do have to like a more raw atmosphere and definitely hablas espanol if you want to take full advantage on this one. Oh yeah, and you can get smoking hot sp's for about 50-75 dollars for the day. They are tied to the US currency so currency fluctuations not a problem.
4/ Dominican- I used to love the DR but for the most part it seems like more of a touristy place these days. pretty expensive compared to other countries (looking at 300 for a good place.) Only place I would reccomend now is Cabarete. Frequented mostly by Euro's this place can get wild and the surfing/kiteboarding and boardsailing is awesome there. Speaking spanish is not necessary in the DR
5/ Buenos Aires- most gorgeous ladies and one of the best night life cities out there. More expensive than most and appeals if you are more of an urban dweller. Check out ricoletta if you are interested. Best neighborhood but looking at minimum 250 investment
clearly I have not made my mind up either yet
ps I have heard rumours from my friends that guatemala(believe it or not) is going to be the next big place. If you are looking at an investment with lot's of risk but potential huge upside check there and let me know. A buddy bought a place there for 50 k and says it is awesome but curiously has not/will not send pictures!!
all the best
bm
