If the property cash flows even with conservative numbers (vacancy, repairs, reserves), it might make sense to move forward.If it’s tight and you’d be relying on room rents to stay high, it’s better to hold off, pay down your car, and work on your financing first.

We are being very conservative on pricing.

Our guidelines are relatively conservative, so thankfully our borrowers are already bringing good deals that we want to loan on. 

A lender is always going to look at a deal objectively and conservatively, despite what a wholesaler or agent may sell you on.

My best advice for anyone flipping Real Estate is to run your numbers as conservatively as possible. 

Large dogs unleashed in the front yard, an occasional hoot and shout party, and so on. 

If it holds up under conservative estimates, it’s a decent, low-risk first step; if not, keep saving for a stronger dealThank you Denise, I was also considering getting a mortgage as well for this property and don't want to keep some cash liquid.

That's okay...the hardest part is getting the plane in the air.

Given Portland’s rules and prices, keep it simple and conservative: define a tight buy box (SFH 3/1–3/2 or small duplex in stable, landlord‑friendly pockets), underwrite with real taxes/insurance from the address, PM‑verified rents, and a healthy repair/vacancy buffer; ADUs can work but pencil them as a bonus, not the reason the deal works.

Tax deed is a high‑reward, high‑risk lane: titles can be messy, redemption windows vary, and you often can’t inspect, so you win by mastering one county’s rules, running conservative ARV/rent comps, and budgeting for quiet title plus unknown repairs.