I think that Beaverton/Tigard and others are not quite the same as sprawling new developments outside Sacramento (perhaps more comparable to the San Francisco East Bay, to cite a local examplea gain), but on the other hand in the event of a significant downturn you maybe are more protected in the core.

Also, I think our property is in a "better" part of Longview (its by Fred Meyer and new development).

I am trying to glean as much info as possible to develop a good solid strategy.Thanks for reading!

I have an associate who would like me to invest in HIS project, which I've never done - I've always been the developer, not the lender. 

There are still rules that need to be developed, but based on this being in Cook County, I highly doubt those rules will favor landlords in any way.Now on to my opinion soapbox.

Again, something to understand as you develop your strategy. 

I found a deal where new development is happening, $250k homes are selling on a street where properties right next door are valued at $50k.

As an example, if you like short term, high risk, with the chance of higher returns, you may want to invest in a development project or MH bridge debt.

You can always develop your own, buy why not take what has already been used multiple times and has been legally tested.  

I am not buying, buying, buying, so the changes come with appreciation (which are pretty good, since I've been buying next to developments).