Wants to buy first piece of property to hold for 3-5 years

[Thomas Wilson]

Looking to buy first piece of property in the Portland Area to hold for at least 3 - 5 years. What are the best approaches? 

[Theresa Harris]

In most places if you buy and hold for 3-5 years for a regular house (ie one that doesn't need renos), you are unlikely to come out that far ahead.  The appreciation (which is not guaranteed) is likely to be less than your costs of buying and selling a property.