I'm on Lamma now. The ferries are pretty reliable and on-time. Though the commute to HK side everytime you need something can be a pain.
If you want to come and look, avoid Sundays, they stop any building work and VV traffic so the tourists think it's an idylic island paradise. Coming during the week gives a more typical impression.
My place is fairly close to the pier (10 minute walk) big compared to HK island, for 1/2 the price (and I get a roof). All in all the pollution seems a lot better than on HK island (I used to have to sweep my place in Wan Chai every day)
It's not so easy to find places here on the internet, but there aren't many property agents, so you can do them all in a day.