Need advice about home criteria in Portland area

[Napat Wan]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post on Biggerpocket after being in this community for a couple months. I am the first time homebuyer and going to purchase a home in the next 1-2 months. I am still a beginner and would like people here to verify my home criteria.

I am looking for a house between Portland and Hillsboro $300k-$350k, need rehab but still liveable (enough to be qualified by a conventional loan), 3 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms that can be modified into 3 bedrooms, No HOA, I have $30k cash for rehab (Hiring a contractor and doing some DIY), 1-2 months to complete the rehab before moving in (I also don't mind living there while under rehab)

Are these criteria practical in your opinion?

Or worst case scenario is buying a $450k house that is move in ready. I really don't want to pick this option since I am going to start investing in real estate in the near future, and it is better to start practicing finding a deal, hiring a contractor, and learning some DIY skills.

Feel free to share your opinion or adjust these criteria.

Thank you in advance!