The Portland & SW Washington market is going nuts right now, most people are taking advantage of it, asking outrageous prices.Right now the Hawthorne area is the 5th most competitive neighborhood in the Nation.

There are several that are competitive and have good reliability. 

The Certified contractor deal limits the competition a little, like the asbestos certifications in the 70's and 80's (yes I'm old). 

You can do anything you set your mind to.I was also scared to rent in my current area because there was so much competition.  

It might become a little less competitive to purchase as interest rates rise, but the fundamentals are too strong in the area for anything nasty to happen.  

It's insanely competitive down here. 

If the wall is weak they have buttons that suck in the plaster.

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you are focused on multifamily units I added the below links for your review.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/03/1...https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/09/how-to-buy-a-small-multifamily-property/ (How to buy a smail multifamily property)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/07/19/how-to-buy-a-duplex/ (guide to buying a duplex) https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/16/how-to-choose-areas-multifamily-deals/ (Choosing multi-family deals)Actually, with regard to the multifamily unit being the only one in the neighborhood could be looked at as being positive, due to the fact that tenant competition is non-existent with other multifamily properties.http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/glossary/https://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Rentals are one area where the little guy can still compete with the mega corps and large apt complexes, often winning over some choice tenants with personal service, flexible terms, and small touches...Just a few ways, off the top of my head, that I think we can gain a competitive advantage over more rigidly run large complexes (though all markets vary, so these are based on my experiences)....) flexible terms (I offer a six month or one year lease; of course, most six month folks renew, but some like the flexibility; some large complexes are "one year or nothing" in my market..)) new mats (inside and out of the doors; bath, even runners or area rugs in high traffic area for vinyl plank flooring)...while they add some "wow factor" and look like gifts, there is self interest at work here, however, as the matting greatly reduces wear and tear on my flooring.) pets on approval ( I have some of the best behaved canine tenants imaginable, and their high quality tenant owners stay long term, are respectful, and pay well,yet are often shunned by many "no pets" larger places)) small (tax deductible) $20 gift card at holidays ..

@Vincent Crane  you may want to look at small multi family those usually hit your numbers easier and your competition is all numbers driven...