I really have nothing against Pueblo and my families' investment performance there does not color my perspective.

I use Oak (one of the colors, looks like wood) and Sedona (looks like tile) for kitchens and baths.

The color changes every month.

If carpet must be used we use a rental grade in a dark brown color, which helps to hide stains...and just to a carpet clean between tenants.

I'd say the value of keeping the original tax base creams (like in $1000+ per month) any perceived advantage of the LLC. 

not sure if your staying in WA with no state income tax.. but a lot of the folks i know that are high net worth invest in tax free muni bonds  AAA rated.. rates have been low but they are rising.. might be worth talking to your broker about.I would diversify.. and NOTES  would be a nice way to go for cash flow as well just get with a great HML there in seattle and let them place your loans for you.. lower your rate so you can cream the borrowers... if the local HML are at say 2 and 12 put your money our for 9 but be ultra picky.. risk of loss remote.. hassle factor none .. fun in looking at potential loans off the charts.. and return great.. the thing about pooled investments is just that your one of many if they go TU you stand a very good chance of principal loss... so if U went that route sponsor is CRITICAL and I would limit your investment with them to no more than 10% of your portfolio.. at that point principal protection is utmost not necessarily return...  

The mantel is also a rough wood that I suppose I could paint but once that is done, it's done and if it doesn't turn out good then....Some ideas after looking at what others did were to have stone put over the brick to give it a lighter color and more updated look.

You need a place to live no matter what, and I can't imagine rents are very cheap in Portland, so you're usually better off at least having the benefits of a little tax writeoff and mortgage paydown while you own, plus being able to paint the walls the colors you want, etc.I'd hang tight if I were you, see if your market goes up a bit more over the next few years (which I personally believe many will, just my professional opinion,) and try to refi and dump your mortgage insurance (assuming you have it) as soon as possible.In the meantime, hang onto your $50,000, keep growing it, and wait for the right deal.

I know this because I happen to be born and raised in in some of the hottest areas in the city right now.Since I'm black and from these areas, I personally  have no problem renting to low income people,  or people of color.

There should be various color codes for different types of zoning or possibly a number system for residential, industrial, retail, multifamily, etc.