Houses are scarcer than hen's teeth, and there's not much to go around so agents are having a rough time of it.I ran some quick math numbers in my area yesterday and making a whole lot of assumptions (for example, only 40% of all local agents were party to a sale, everything that was available gets sold, etc) the math didn't seem to pencil out very well for agents right now.

Low hanging fruit. 

I hope your real estate investing endeavors are fruitful!

I think there is lower hanging fruit

If you need any referrals for agents, title, or escrow, feel free to ask.Good luck!

I am new to this market and would like some recommendations for agents that work with out of state investors. 

For agents, I would connect with @Melissa Hartvigsen as she is an investor herself (LTR/MTR) and works with investors in the greater Portland area.

They are both fruits, but very different.High cash value life insurance is not an investment, but when used properly it can turbo charge your investments. 

Quote from @Jonathan Scribner: Hello @Brett Deas and @Ben Rhodin,What would you say is the best strategy to get on a preferred list for agencies, hospitals, relocation agencies? 

Focus on your roots, and you will bear fruit. $8k is ok but not great.