After all fees, the net rental yields seem to be 6-7% (Tokyo suburbs, Osaka, Fukuoka) to 11-12% (Sapporo).

Aside from Tokyo and Osaka, investors lean toward Japan for its cash flow market from rental income, and low price properties.

Most of all, I wonder is PDX BECOMING THE TOKYO OF OLD?

Also with prices shooting up here in tokyo would it be advisable to look in another population center, or wait for a good deal locally? 

I haven't had any experience w/ renting a house w/ a yard here in Tokyo, so I had a look on the net - they say that it should really be spelled out in the contract; and if its not spelled out explicitly - some say that its the owner's responsibility while others say its the tenants.Sorry there doesn't seem to be a clear answer, but let me know if you have further questions.

Currently my girlfriend and I are living in Tokyo, Japan.

I would like to ask for a piece of advice if anyone has this experience.I have a studio room property in Tokyo Japan, free from any collateral, and I wonder if it can be an option to borrow money using this in US.I tried to borrow money from Japanese banks to purchase properties in US, but they didn't allow me as I didn't live in Japan.

I've heard of places like Tokyo where tenants pay a financial  "gift" to the landlord just to sign a lease 

On another note, they give away free homes to anyone who wants to live in the outskirts of Tokyo where towns are pretty much dieing from an aging population and people emigrating to the city (ie Tokyo).

., unlike Japan, unless you are looking at Tokyo, the yield is so much higher in Japan, and so much more affordable ($25K to $55k for 7% to 12% yield, net pre-tax).