The broker - by definition because they are human - will always think if themselves and their family first.

Sometimes 1 or 2 in what you thought would be your top 3 dissapoints so greatly that you go back and add a 4/5th to interview(I actually found my favorite company because of this).Online reviews can be helpful, but I won't automatically discredit a company solely based on this because negative reviews are more common, generally because of human nature.

That is where the human factor comes in. 

Remember Maslows hierarchy of needs: humans always seek to avoid pain 1st.

Petty theft is common here, elsewhere in Costa Rica, and probably anywhere else human beings live. 

If there is a way to over complicate things us humans will do it 1 go to a bank ask them to prequalify you 2 contact a couple real estate agents in the area you want to invest in.

In case you didn't know, SpaceX won the NASA Human Landing System (HLS) $2.9 billion contract.

When choosing an agent make sure they can provide you with as much value as humanly possible! 

Also, anything working and reusable like appliances, ceiling fans, cabinets, sinks, doors, etc can be set aside and once you have it out Habitat for Humanity will send a truck and pick it up for you as long as you have big items and a local store.

As mentioned above, your only requirement is to be a decent human being, and follow the law.