Hi Pete,
Like you, I'm still in the research stage, but would like to accomplish this transition as soon as possible. While I've got visions of walking my dogs on the beach at sunrise, I'm actually focusing my attention right now on Ajijic and the surrounding lake area. I've already decided on Mexico, so at least that's accomplished. Any particular area that you're investigating? (I'm assuming so, since you're already planning your trip in January.)
Rebecca