And my wife loves the Pacific Ocean so we're sure to do a few beach trips each year whereas the ocean in Texas simply doesn't compare.As I said we loved Texas and both Austin and San Antonio are wonderful cities, I thought we'd never leave. 

Welcome to BP and the Pacific NorthWest.

Specifically, we are looking for: Property: a small multi-family (2-4 units) one unit to be at least a 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom stand-alone house which we would occupyadditional unit(s) which we will manageLocation Options: While we’re open to a number of possibilities, here are the target areas:the South Bay area (Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes, Lawndale, Gardena, Palos Verdes Estates, San Pedro, etc.) the Pasadena area (including Alhambra, San Marino, La Crescenta, Montrose, La Canada-Flintridge, Glendale, etc.)some areas might also be nice and/or on our wish list, but are secondary to what's listed above unless we found a great opportunity (Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Santa Clarita, etc.)Financing Options: We’re open to a number of financing options, including partnering with an investor, using private/hard money loans, and other creative financing suggestions. 

Housing is just one component  and you cant dismiss the pressure on Real Estate that comes from the Pacific Rim..

I was originally planning on trying to find a 3BR house and rent out two of the rooms, but that will not cover much of the mortgage in my extremely expensive market in the Pacific Northwest.

I have to second @Ken Badziak, I'm a transplant from the Pacific Northwest (Portland, OR), and while I miss it, there's a lot to be said for having a natural tan in November.

What are the biggest differences, economically and culturally, investing in Hawaii versus investing in the Pacific Northwest and what was the biggest adjustment you had to make? 

As an offer of goodwill, I am an experienced videographer and currently getting a video portfolio together; so if anyone out there in the Pacific Northwest (or beyond) has ever considered placing video representations of their properties on their company websites or blogs, let me know and perhaps I can help you!

--Tom(1) http://www.pacific.edu/About-Pacific/Newsroom/2016...

I need insurance for a property with Fed pacific PANELS, minor leak under sink, and limbs hanging over roof.