I'm primarily focused on scaling, so I make sure I have some reserves for the rocky times and work to make sure my portfolio is cash flow positive. 

What can I do to help him (and help me) for him to be in a position to be able to pay his rent?

If you can find a lender willing to give you a 2nd mortgage it would be at a HIGHER rate because its in 2nd lien position and therefore more risky.

An entity that operates hundreds or thousands of apartment units has far less concentration risk than an owner of a few rental homes, whose tenants may all be impacted by COVID-19.Do you think Portland’s ten-year trend of positive economic growth for landlords will continue, or will it flatten out, possibly even declining in the wake of COVID-19?

We still find deals here that meet the 1% rule, positive cash flowing, and have tons of potential for appreciation.

So you're in a strong position. 

It’s great to have you here, and it sounds like you’re in an excellent position to start your real estate investing journey.

We pride ourselves in keeping the forums positive, helpful, and focused on real estate (please, no politics, religion, etc.).

The properties were not PURCHASED below market value; work, renovations, and positioning over time (the next six months) increased the property value.  

They're already there and given the holiday season, probably the traffic is light, so you can chat then up for 10-15m about the area, rental class, as well as any remarkable developments in the area that would positively impact that home/area.