I've been going to CR for a few years. ATL to LIR is about 3.5 hrs. Never had to sweat getting on, sometimes even in first. Pay $50 a month for a property manager to take care of your place when you are gone or need cleaners/pool boys/lawn care...it beats trying to figure out the hire help laws (there are some and they can be complicated). Don't look for land ON the beach, there are no private land ON the beach. You could have Rastafarians camping in front of your house, its public land up to 200 feet from the water. I have had no problems except for a police officer wanting to see a copy of my passport once while I was 2 hours away from my condo...its in the car now.