I haven't figured out how to reply directly in a forum yet. =)However, this is still early, I've only had access since Friday. 

This will give you time to figure out options in Portland.  2.  

There are certainly some things to learn along the way, but you'll figure it out as you go just like we all do.There are plenty of folks here that would be happy to help for free - including me.

I would rather not go to multiple lenders trying to figure out who does what if someone on here has had good experience with a particular lender already that does this type of loans.

Old post but I figure I would comment here... my Company, Maven Cost Segregation has done studies on projects like this.

One of the things I'm trying to figure out is if I'm better off getting a few lower cost properties or on higher priced property. 

.- It's not profitable for them to search for under-market priced houses, figure out repairs needed or what other problem is pushing the price down and do even more for a newbie investor that has analysis-paralysis and may never buy anything.Some questions you'll want to share the answers to with any agent you choose:1) Are you paying cash or getting a mortgage?

I haven't done anything like that before but figured I would ask.

There's no precise figure because no one will understand your STR or market as well as you do- or, as well as you will (with time).

I just need to figure out how to purchase it.