As I'm reading through, I'm finding articles geared towards benefits to wholesaling.

Garrett Beecher I believe Portland is a vey tight market with historically low inventory now, but for a good overview of that market and specific techniques that are working there, check out @tucker merrihew 's podcasts...I think he has a new one geared specifically for Portland.

I am in a similar position and have found a business partner over the last six months and we are now gearing up to do some deals.

So I kicked it into high gear and studied the hell out of real estate books, blogs, and bigger pockets was a huge resource.

I'm finding it difficult to find loans geared towards rental property investments, as I bank with a larger institutional bank and they are fairly selective in what they'll lend to.

I would change gears a bit.

In the meantime I am getting the legal gears turning since they take some time.  

It's like spending all your time picking out the right gear to climb a mountain, and no time actually learning the ropes of climbing.

Insurance on them and proper work gear gloves , boots , and safety glasses at minimal.

Basically, does selling beer and wine make a big difference?