I have to say that what you managed with your hard work (I suppose) in Steemit is amazing, get free from those works you mention it's a great archievement, but as you said that lefts you in a very vulnerable position against the market up and downs.

For the next bear run you could swap some crypto (steem or whatever you have) to Tether to protect yourself from that. I'm not a specialist but I think this is a safer way to have your funds.

The issue of the fees in Costa Rica is harder to solve, maybe if you have some confidence with someone of another country you could send crypto to that person, swap in that other country with lower fees and send you back with some app for remittances of money.

I don't know maybe these are some crazy ideas, hope that maybe could help a little to you. Greetings.