More people are being pushed out and looking at alternative locations to the gateway cities.  

So it's very easy to see a trend in the going price of my building.Should I be expecting all lenders to be doing the more expensive walk-thru appraisal, or could there be some out there that will charge me less for cheaper alternatives (i.e. drive by, or even just looking at comps on the computer?)

That's a proven technique so rinse-and-repeat as you build your investment portfolio.

Is there some alternative being used for individuals in these types of neighborhoods who have bank accounts?

I'm new here and am not sure what the interest level is in significant and repeated seller finance techniques.  7.  

If the numbers work, then building is a good alternative.

The property is located in the South Sound/ Tacoma WA area and I would love any finance/ mortgage officer recommendations or alternative courses of action. 

So he asked that I find alternate financing and buy him out of the loan.I know there are multiple paths to get short-term financing but I'd like to explore options for a long-term loan.  

With this plan you can invest in alternative investments including real estate and much more.

As @Chris Mason mentioned earlier, another alternative is you and your wife can both finance 10 properties in your own names.