I'm guessing with that timing chain it's an interference motor?
Yes, it's an interference fit head but I've never heard of a timing chain failing on these engines. The 90-93 Q45s had problems with the plastic backed chain tensioners falling apart and that cause the chain to skip teeth. The later 94-96 engines came with metal backed tensioners and they last for a long time. My 94 Q has over 230k miles on the engine.
Those hydraulic tappets with the roller cam followers look like they'd be troublesome, but Toyota have gone that way now too, haven't they?
Yes, the valvetrain is more complicated but there are no know issues with it. The engine revs to 6900 rpm in stock form.
Are these $500 on eBay like the 1UZ's?
You can get a low mileage JDM takeout for between $500 - $1000.