I have some limited access to cash, but in the "analysis paralysis" phase and hoping to get over the hump soon. 

Without exception, every one of those laws has denied access to funds and denied home ownership to people who could have enjoyed property ownership if there were a free market.The number of workers in my chosen profession, mortgage brokerage, is down by nearly 80% from its  2007 peak.  

I'd be able to assist in the project management, and I have access to quite a few good GC's and specialty artisans (ie, tile, roofers, etc) that could be subbed for the project; however, I don't know (personally) anything about new builds here in WA State.Thanks for any input in advance!

Did you directly have access to MLS or hired an agent?

Simply get a Power of Attorney from the seller to be able to access bank accounts regarding that particular property only.

Having both will grant you with more confidence and greater access to necessary information (not to mention saving time, as you will not have to wait for someone else to allow you to view a property or provide comparables as your wife can now carry out such tasks).

A tub with access to the drain pipe can be replaced in a few hours if everything goes right.

I have access to county tax records online here in GA.  

The benefit of putting a property in your wife's name is for accessing financing later.  

The lower units are usually accessible but for the upper units you may have to open up walls; hopefully just drywall and not plaster!