Economic Timing.According to data compiled by Marcus & Millichap[2], the Portland area has experienced three very important trends since 2010:The average price per unit for apartments has nearly doubledThe rate of employment growth rose from 2010 to 2015 but has since declined steadily, projected to be up 1% for 2020 (estimated before COVID-19)Roughly 30,000 apartments have been built since 2010, with another 5,600 units slated for construction in 2020Most RHA members have enjoyed a solid decade of price growth, rent growth and steady occupancy.

The economy is rocking, we have full employment (~4% unemployment) and wage growth is still at 4%.

Sounds like we employ nearly identical strategies.

I'm self employed and not showing much income on my taxes.

If you can qualify with your income, DTI and employment history, conventional may offer better terms.

Also most people employed, so even if it is a struggle they can still pay the bills.

Here are two lessons: The property was about an hour away and at the time I worked for an employer full time, so it was hard to get over there each weekend to work on it.

We closed on our first property on November 15 and plan to employ the fix-and-flip strategy. 

Conventional at 5% down would cap you at 3% concessions, but generally is more lenient with employment history and property condition. 

Growing population, great employment opportunities, steady appreciation etc.The best amenity has been location.