TYVM for these leads. I'll visit them in person next time down (and make some enquiries online)

Maximizing planning time during three week stays is important and the info is appreciated!

Thank you all for your input. I visited AL and chatted (seems like a genuinely nice guy) and got some information. We also scouted a number of general locations for the "short list". Alas, we may decide against the isolated area because it's not quite isolated enough to afford "protection" against petty theft or worse, coupled with the increased disadvantages of not being road accessible (meaning you'd need a place to moor the boat, store the vehicle, store other stuff you don't need where you don't have real power but still "want"...) All the costs add up, and Belize appears to be a place you'll never get your money out of if/when it's time to sell. We're all getting older.

Not sure anyone should ever assume they will get their money back if they are hoping to sell a property in a few years.
We have talked this through with our Kids and they know the property IS their inheritance, and we would not be attempting to liquidate in our lifetime. As a result they are both actively involved with our life in retirement
It helps that they love Belize as much as we do, and the grandchildren too have found a different world far removed from that in California and love to visit Belize.
You do need to have the whole family involved if you retire to Belize.
I know a couple who reluctantly returned to the US after 7 years simply because the FAMILY at home were unhappy with the parents retirement choice and would never visit.
The couple in question really missed their grandkids and sold up at a loss just to suit their offspring.