Affordable Rentals

Hello,

I am a Canadian planning a trip to Costa Rica in January/February 2008 with the goal of discovering the different areas of the country, and researching the possibility of purchasing land or a house. I plan on staying for 3-4 months.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve searched over and over again in Google for vacation rentals with the different locations I’ve heard about and read about, and the results I keep on getting are for very expensive properties, villas, houses etc… properties that cost almost a $1,000 / week.

I haven’t been successful in finding a site that lists the type of rental properties that fit my criteria.

Criteria
– Hi-Speed Internet (an absolute must, my entire business is based on the Internet and I need reliable, fast access and I will be continuing my work down in Costa Rica)
– Rent: Under $1,000 /month
– Preference: I would love to be close to a good surfing beach.
– Preference: I would like to be in an area with limited risk of Malaria. Based on the Pan American Health Organization it seems there are definite higher risks in certain areas, like Limon for example.
– 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, 1 Bath, Basic requirements.

Any advice on which areas of Costa Rica I should be looking at that could fit the above criteria would be really appreciated, and also if anyone knows of some web sites that list affordable long-term rental properties it would be great.

Thank you very much.

Eamon