the 145.29 repeater here reaches from north of Portland to Eugene and some spots further north and south with a couple hot spots on the coast.
On vhf mostly needed is a good antenna system rather than power.
Power limits on vhf / uhf are high, would have to look it up in part 97 but I think it is about 1kw cw on vhf, some restrictions on uhf.
Have been a "ham" since 1953, mobile operation in all manor of cars.
Exams are now given by volunteers at ve testing sessions and local classes are often available for tek and general class licensing.