Consider different strategies like mid and short term rentals as I believe the Portland area would allow for success in both (although I have heard Portland proper is tough on STRs).Best of luck!

Everyone says to find properties and build a buyer's list, but neither matter if you can't calculate the repair costs and also get access to a friend or colleague who has MLS so you can do a proper and real ARV (the other part where all wholesalers fail).

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

If your exchange is not done properly or your funds are not safe you are going to kick yourself for trying to save $500. 

Insurance is going to protect you financially from lawsuits, damages, total losses, and other scenarios we can't even begin to imagine until it actually happens.You'll want to have a broker you can work with and trust that will make sure you're properly protected in the event of a loss.

Leverage technology early and put everything in the cloud, so you can access info wherever you are.Make sure to get properly licensed and obtain E&O Insurance.

I've done plenty of deals without and agent, off market not even on the MLS but I'm one of those wholesalers that did things properly, had qualified buyers before even reaching out to sellers and strictly stuck with assignments.Biggest problem is so many "wholesalers" barely have the understand of a deed or what title insurance is so there's an immense amount of knowledge they need before hand which can just be provided to them by getting a license!

Exploring other options like Appfolio or Apartments.com which might offer the balance of support and functionality you need, is a sensible approach.

@Melvin Lamont Evans Welcome to BiggerPocketsThe search function can help you find some relevant informationhere is an example https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/88/topics/1049073-my-fi...

Like Jake Baker suggested, keep good records and have a dedicated bank account for your property, properly separating personal and business expenses.