No not me

I have a friend that came into some inheritance money and wants to move/retire to Belize. He's been talking to developers about building a house soon and I told him to slow down. I think he should rent for a year or two and learn the area and the developers first to avoid being taken advantage of/making locale mistakes. He's worried that prices there will spike soon ala Costa Rica and he'll be priced out of paradise if he waits.
He's not looking to do anything extravagant but comfortable.
I know many of you guys have been there a lot and thought I might jab you for input. Any thoughts on my friends situation or on Belize in general?
Thanks,