if I may suggest something having been through this process a few years back ....
I had been searching for a waterfront lot for years, but was not ready to commit the cash ...
when i was ready and narrowed down the area i wanted to be in, i hooked up with a real estate agent in the that area and told them what i wanted (price range) and just waited, almost a year later the agent sent me a listing and we had to act quick ... like within days of the listing
made the deal and never looked back... no cottage yet ... but thats the next phase ... if its a decent listing they never last long on the market ... thats why you really need an agent keeping an eye out for you , otherwise they get scooped up ....
2 years ago a waterfront lot came up for 50K in the Haliburton area... 13 acres and 200ft frontage but on a small no motor boat lake, i forwarded it to my friend however it was sold within days ... I think having an agent on your side really helps (it doesn't cost you anything) ... you may just get lucky
all the best and good luck on your search !!!!