I actually host the local sw mo pints and properties meetup and you can bump elbows with local investors that are new and trying to grow their base as well.

I lived there myself for 4 years, then moved out and converted it to a super-profitable short-term rental (it's ideally situated near great restaurants/nightlife, the National Zoo, Rock Creek Park, and hotels that host professional conferences).

Anybody remember to see this host cancel policy of AirBNB?

I'd also recommend checking out Investor Lab – their events are worthwhile, though there is a fee.Besides REIAs, look into:Meetup.com: Many local real estate groups host events here.Landlord Associations: They provide excellent resources for both Portland and state-level, which could be helpful if you decide to self-manage your home in Salem.Best of luck on your real estate journey, and feel free to reach out if you need any advice!

I’ve run into an issue with how to pay a client for STR hosting/PM.

I do a lot of repairs and maintenance myself when I come down in the winter and during the quarters I make the trip, but here's just a sample of things I had to pay for in the last year:Pool screening: $985 (big hailstorm destroyed 13 screens)Irrigation repair: $394Irrigation repair #2: $230Palm trimming (twice: $200Pool light replacement: $950And all of that of course leaves out routine replacement of towels that get left at theme parks, sheets and pillowcases, busted blenders, and a host of other things I can't even think of right now. 

I would ask a PM in the local area who pays the taxes, sometimes the OTA's charge it to the guests but some places require the host to pay it.

VRBO leaves payment to the host with API connection but Airbnb does not (or maybe you have a choice).  

Painfully clunky and outdated interface for both guests and especially hosts.

But this can be off set because STRs can earn a lot more than LTRs.A host is very important to the experience of STR and responsiveness is critical.