Next piece of advice is shop this deal around with someone through the forums or local real estate groups (google for your area). 

Keep in mind local zoning laws and market conditions in Portland versus Salem—Portland might offer higher rents but stricter regulations, while Salem could provide better cash flow opportunities.Your design approach has proven successful, so continue focusing on appealing upgrades like kitchens and bathrooms, but prioritize cost-effective and durable materials for rentals.

can you invest locally instead?

I would call your local property appraiser office and ask about the criteria for appealing, because you may have to wait until next year when you receive the TRIM notice.

This is typically the slowest time of year for tenant placement, at least in our local market.

However, most of my tenants are locals who have lived here their whole lives.

A great way to get started is to go to local real estate investor meetups and meet other investors.

In the old days you just hoped on the Intel shuttle  Intel had their own airline. and it ran out of the local hillsboro office.. now she has to go to PDX and go through security etc..

Starting locally with multifamily and house flipping is a solid plan.

Rodrigues is an awesome LOCAL lender, who works a lot with foreigners.