I've been listening to the pod-casts; i like what Josh and Brandon have going on.Back in 2007 I got my real estate license and worked Commercial Real Estate in Seattle mostly finding in-fill land for town home development.  

Some people get hired and have big shoes to fill.  

The worst case scenario is that this may mean additional paperwork for securing your residency, potentially needing more paperwork in order to get visas, and this may mean a few more forms to fill in to own a property.

Before my first deal the goal was  ____ units/year (fill in the blank).  

There are plenty that have it to fill the vacant tenancies.  

Portland is a great place I worked up there for years and it would seem you would have a great op for maybe a air bnb or even a room rental property depending on the location and the ability for college studentsI'm in a pickle myself I bought a rehab property and completely gutted it with all new everythingjust need the money to completegot it rented for a screaming deal-650 a month and I'm paying all utilities at leat its kind of making the paymentkeep your options open and look in the area if you can for ops on getting the rents you needif you do a lease option make sure you get a nice amount down with good terms for you that way in 6 months when they default you get the cash you need to cover expenses until you get it filled againGood luck!

Also are there any areas filled with opportunities/ areas I should avoid?

Now you are talking about a bobcat for a day, 1-3 dumpsters, possibly some class 5 for a fill, 4 inches of concrete + steel. 2 trucks of concrete, crew of 4-6, day of work - 6-8k.3.

I'm about to fill my second vacancy and wondering how to get more applicants this time around.

They do require some effort, but don't have to fill your schedule either.