This is because they're much more expensive than other countries in the region and, unlike in some other countries in the region Costa Rica doesn't have the mass tourism needed to get you the rental income that would justify those prices.This being said, it shouldn't be hard for you to break even though since all you'd need to do for that is cover your costs.

For example do you have a great w2 and can you afford to cover costs of a major repair or 3 months of vacancy?

Hopefully the deposit covers Jan rent, make sure you give them an itemized list of the money owed to you for any damages or unpaid rent. 

The property could be boarded up with no pictures.

Some properties appreciated double during this cycle and the rents still covered the mortgage after a cashout refi. 

My broker could not find any other carrier to cover a rental condo. 

Also, coming from running a business just think of RE as a business (which it is), the numbers have to work and your investments need to fit into the big picture.

Insurance doesn't cover anything anymore and we can almost just pay for all damages with the money we spend on it! 

Maybe a major news outlet would be interested in covering your story. 

Where rent can cover all these expenses.