About myself:I'm a 31 year old, originally from Germany but now based in Perth, Australia (love the lifestyle).I did my Master in Architecture in Germany and have been working for a developer in Australia for the last 6 years.The property market here is completely overpriced through mining. 

There's nothing wrong with that lifestyle, but if money isn't a priority for you then you shouldn't be surprised when you don't have much of it. 

Home ownership is a lifestyle choice not a investment and is far more expensive than renting.It appears your life style choices are driving your decision making process.

As for the hiring of professionals such as Architects and Designers...some are narcissistic and don't take their client's wishes and lifestyle into account while other times the fault is the micromanagement of the homeowner. 

As you mentioned, the other part of the equation is more individual in nature...our intended lifestyles and what each of us gives up on the W-2 side.  

I mean come on,  most of the people traveling around this area are very into "small" kind of a "hipppie" lifestyle and don't usually travel in large groups.

First, I knew that to make a meaningful impact on our lifestyle, I needed to ignore the fear for a while and move forward, quickly.

We are particularly interested in areas allowing a great lifestyle (good food, spending heaps of time outside, close to the beach, quick and easy access to great cities, etc) such as California, South West of France, Barcelona, etc...We currently own a 2 bedroom apartment (paid cash) close to the beach and the main English schools in Malta.

I currently work from home so investing in properties will fit well into my current lifestyle.

I'm currently partnering in the expansion of a lifestyle brand from one location in the Downtown LA Arts District into further iterations and spinoff concepts throughout Greater LA.