I verified with the Office of Economic Development that city HOT taxes don't apply to me.

It's not like downtown San Diego or Irvine but there's a good mix of manufacturing, professional services, health care jobs and even a blossoming tech scene.

Now that the US economy is in the so-called "everything bubble", who knows what economic factor will represent the proverbial pin prick?

If the loss of equity is a result of larger economic forces similar to the last crisis, then the answer depends.During the crisis I worked for the FDIC in resolving large failed bank portfolios.

All a tenant has to do is present an order from a doctor, psychologist, or mental health professional stating the animal is needed for emotional support.

We can not prevent economic cycles and a recession is due within a couple of years, maybe even next year. 

To grow, I am willing to consider markets outside of Portland and would consider selling my 4plex if I could go bigger in another market that cash flows well and is relatively safe (good economics, safe neighborhoods, etc).I currently have a job that I plan on staying at for the foreseeable future that provides a good income.

It gives you a certain peace of mind, knowing that no matter what happens with the economy, your job, your health, etc. that no one can take your house from you and all you have to come up with is the taxes and insurance.  

This was the criteria I used (it's heavily based on the Best Ever Syndication Apartment book written by Joe Fairless):Criteria UnemploymentGet this information from Census.gov under the “Selected Economic Characteristics” data tableCalculate the unemployment change over a five-year period using the unemployment percentage for the city for the last five yearsIdeally, you want one that is decreasingA low, stagnant rate is acceptableA high and/or low increasing rate is unfavorablePopulationBoth the city and MSA population data can be found on Census.gov The city data will be under the “Annual Population Estimates” data tableThe MSA data is located in the “Annual Estimate of the Resident Population” data tableCalculate the population change for both the target market city and the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) using the population data for the last five years for the marketAn increasing population is idealA stagnant or decreasing trend is unfavorable, Especially if apartment supply is on the rise Population AgeFind this data on the Census.gov website under the “Demographic Characteristics” table.

Before you consider buying ANY condo, get to know top to bottom what banks are looking for as far as the financial health of the condo associations!!!