After buying the property, I also still have $12k in stocks that I plan to use as a last resort.

Costa Rica relays on Tourism and, you are absolutely right about the dilutions of hospitality in the world by Airbnb, however, the static still shows the preference of hotels by consumers when it comes to resorts due to all-inclusive options, comfort, and personalized care.

We connected with a jet ski and boat rental company near our lake for a discount and commission per booking at one property. 

I’m obvi biased, but Denver is a very friendly sunny city with world class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, etc.

I ain’t no lawyer (except on the Internet), so will possibly have to resort to checking with the lender (BoA) to confirm as I didn’t see anything in the contract that suggested that it closes if I’m no longer resident.James

Based on your assessment, it feels like the only way for you to buy something now is to make a compromise that you don't want to make or to get out over your skis a bit more than you'd like. 20 years from now, it won't make much of a difference whether you bought something today or two years from now. 

See family, and do some skiing!

I have a client that is looking to buy an island in Belize for a resort going to check that out myself. 

All of that culminates to high 20% occupancy; up to mid-30s - if you are on water or if you are nearby skiing (<10min).

You're talking about programs generally run by the government as the operator of last resort because no one else can make enough money to make it make sense.