New Investor in Portland, OR - Interest in Property Management

[Dar Fornelli]

Greetings from a long time lurker of Bigger Pockets! I recently moved to the Portland metro area from my home of the first 24 years of my life - Lawrence, Kansas. I graduated from the University of Kansas last February with a degree in Architectural Engineering. I currently work for JE Dunn Construction company as a Project Engineer in Hillsoboro. 

I first became interested in real estate investing while working as an intern for a small residential investor/contractor in New Orleans the summer of 2012. It was a wonderful experience that exposed me to the endless possibilities of real estate. Since that summer I've spent my spare time reading books, listening to BP podcasts, and exploring the site. I'm now a little over a year removed from school and am ready to begin my journey into the world of real estate. 

One of my short term goals is to purchase a 3-4 unit property here in the Portland metro area within the next six months. I plan to live in one of the units while renting the remaining to offset my mortgage payments. I'm interested to hear from local investors if there are realtors, lenders, etc. which you have had success with? The past several weeks I've been spending about 60 hours/week on the job, but I'm interested in getting involved with local investors in my spare time on nights/weekends to gain any experience I can. 

Finally, (this feels like it's turning into an essay) another idea I've been strongly considering is beginning my own property management business. I know that the stereotype is not a good one for property managers, and I feel I can use my experience from New Orleans as well as the management skills I've gained with general contracting to effectively manage residential properties. I've explored the licensing process for Oregon and was curios before I apply if anyone had any insight/tips on starting a management business. At this point in time I see myself managing a handful of properties as I continue to work full time (I have the freedom during the work day to take/make calls necessary and visit properties if needed) with the intention to make it a full time gig as soon as I feel stable doing so. 

I realize this was a very long winded introduction... To anyone who made it all the way though, thank you for reading and I appreciate any insight that you may be able to provide. I hope to meet many of my fellow Oregonians here in the near future! Happy Investing.