My wife and I grew up in Texas but truly love the mountain west, and spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors here in Montana and the Yellowstone country.

I'm not unrealistic and I'm happy for others to enjoy some successes along the way, but if the contractor netted the same as I do, with no skin in the game or risk I would not be extatic.

For one, it's not worth not enjoying where you live just because you want to invest there.

In terms of immediate acquisitions, I would get a 2,3,4plex and rent to other students to see how you enjoy land lording.

If you haven't yet, you may enjoy this post: (if you can call it a post!)

I actually enjoy driving around and looking at properties to fix up.

Enjoying this discussion, thanks to all for posting.

One thing I left out was I did give them a little extra bonus in cash if a deal was done but it was a surprise and they got to enjoy a small spending spree on themselves.

It is way more profitable, enjoyable/fun, and less risky to split the pie in half with someone who has more experience in the areas that you lack experience. 

Beaverton enjoys a strong economy and is as much of a sellers market as anywhere.