I own property in Destin and Seacrest. I bought a lot in Panama a couple of years ago. My family is from there. Panama is an incrediable opportunity. It is so much cheaper than Costa Rica and Panama has a city that is not third world. Most major financial institutions are there and construction is booming in the city.
We bought a 1/2 acre lot on a golf course 150 yards from the beach for $50k. The development is about 40 minutes from the city. To build a 1,500 sq ft house would cost about $70K. The golf course was designed by Fazio Sr. and the development has an equestrian village. Something similar in Costa Rica would cost you about $400K. The easy $ in Costa Rica is gone.
There is so much development in Panama. I believe in 10years, it will surpass Costa Rica. One final note, there are no property tax in Panama for the first 20 years. Also, the purchase is fee simple and purchases are filed in the courthouse and kept on record. There is mortgage financing there if needed at rates lower than the us.