All Forum Posts by: Alex F.

@Caleb Webster I saw a listing last night that made me wonder about that...how much is that kind of work typically running? I have very minimal experience doing work but do have some background in project management/civil engineering but honestly that seems daunting. I imagine there are laws and zoning issues involved? That’s a whole new world on top of this other whole new world. 

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the responses immensely. I guess some fill-ins that would be helpful...I'm active duty military and am hoping to use the VA loan. I'll be working out of the airport, so something inside of 25 minutes drive to that would be ideal (my commute times are usually outside of rush hour...430AM or 10AM most days).

2-4plex in a decent location would be my preferred course of action.  I only get 2-3 years in Portland before I'm being moved back overseas, so my exit strategy is (ideally) to hold onto it for the long haul and use it for retirement cashflow.  I'm in no great rush to get rich...I just want to be able to comfortably not work when I'm done with the military.  If I can do that while living within walking distance of at least two bars...that's heaven.  Also another handcuff...property managers.  My job takes up 80% of my time, and I won't physically be present to be involved after my tour.  I've only owned my Detroit property for a year and use a property manager. 

Follow on questions: is the traffic over the eastern bridge to Washington as heinous as the western one? I've had friends speak of horrors. And where are the best places to actually find these properties in Portland? I've tried the main MLS and craigslist but haven't really seen much I'm extremely interested in.

I hope that answers your questions @Kelvin Lee

Thanks again to everyone for the input.  I'll happily look into Rarebird when I get to town, and I'll probably be taking a few short trips there the next few months to look around and see what I'm getting myself into.  

Hello,

I just found out I'm moving to Portland in the September/October time-frame and I'm hoping to get some advice.  I've always wanted to get into real estate but have been living (mostly) in Japan for the last 9 years and haven't had the opportunity to really dive in.  I own one unit through a turnkey in Detroit, this move is my first real opportunity to dive in but I'm finding that I'm shackled by the whole "I need a place to live too" thing.  I want to make a smart investment decision but I also don't want to sacrifice all the awesomeness that can come from my first time in the states in a decade.  A buy and hold strategy has always been my dream, but I guess I'm willing to shift exit strategies on this property if it makes sense to do so.  

So, TLDR: are there 'hidden gem' areas I should look at?  Are there areas to stay away from?  Are apartments any different than single family homes when it comes to viability?  And any other advice I can get I guess...this area is overwhelming a little bit haha.  Thanks in advance for the help!

Alex