Are There Any Good Real Estate Companies In The Portland Area?

[Baxter Finch]

Hey all,

I am planning on moving to the Portland/Astoria, Oregon area in about a year and I was wondering if there were any RE companies that are good for a beginner? I really want to move into a duplex/triplex as soon as I'm over there and it would be great to have someone that wouldn't mind coaching me through the process. I've heard that RE companies don't charge for anything?? They just get a commission out of closing costs...is that 100% correct? If so, should I be contacting someone over there right now to build a relationship?

Thanks!

B