I live in Washington State.

We would still have about 8 months left before we can sell (2 year min)Our last couple homes have been 1940's, 800sq ft  cramped homes with two beds and single bathrooms and we are loving having something three times the square footage!

The house is 800 square feet and has no garage, little storage, no dishwasher, and is on a busier street.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

See if you can get access in to the attic and look at the plywood squares.

Quote from @Tom Gimer: @Jay Hinrichs From some recently advertised terms of sale in DC:"Purchaser will take title to the property subject to all real estate taxes, water and sewer charges, and any other municipal or utility charges senior in priority to the Deed of Trust, if any." there ya go clear cut.. in the State of Washington you cannot transfer title without prop tax's being brought current..

Sales taxes for the state are comparatively low at 6.25% (it can reach a maximum limit of 8.25%), and Texas is one of nine states that does not have personal income taxes.However, as taxation is a vital source of revenue for local government, the burden falls squarely on property taxation to compensate for the lack of other revenue.

Looking for recommendations for a HELOC on our primary in WA State. 

The price varies by market, but you can expect around $3 per square foot for painting.

I've heard many things about the Bates-Hendricks and Fountain Square neighborhoods, but I'd be interested in hearing about some other spots where people have had success buying.