Thanks to everyone for all the info.
Carlos, I do plan to visit before making a purchase. However, this is the only property I'm considering in Belize at the moment. It seems silly to make the trip if I could be warned in advance about something that may be wrong with the property or area.
I've been trying to get in touch with the owner for several weeks. He or she has only listed email for contact, but doesn't respond to my emails. That seems to be a red flag. If this person is so desperate to get rid of this property, you'd think he'd try to contact prospective buyers.