Top 5 Markets for Oregon Real Estate Investors in 2024

Real Estate investors looking for cash flow and appreciation are flocking to Oregon to build rental property portfolios.  The Beaver State is a current favorite of real estate investors for many factors. These include a strong and stable economy, low vacancy rates and a growing population.  Easy Street Capital is proud to be a leading provider of investment property loans for real estate investors in Oregon!

 

Types of Investment Properties 

 

When it comes to real estate investing in Oregon, there are many markets and types of investment property loans to choose from.  For investors that like to get their hands dirty, rehabbing run-down properties, hard money renovation loans are a perfect choice!  These loans allow you to buy a property quickly and finance your rehab costs as well!  Once you are done, you can either “flip” the property for a quick profit or pursue the BRRRR Strategy by renting it out and then refinancing into a long-term, low-rate DSCR loan!

 

EasyFix            EasyRent

 

Investors looking for an easy entry into the rental property market should consider DSCR loans, which offer great investment opportunities. The properties available for purchase through DSCR loans are turnkey, meaning that they require no additional work and can be rented out immediately. Turnkey rental properties are typically single-family homes that are fully furnished and rented out for either short-term or medium-term stays. This makes them an excellent option for generating steady cash flow and potential appreciation in value.

 

Long-term DSCR Loans are also great for investing in turnkey rental properties.  Turnkey refers to properties that are rent-ready and require no renovations.  Turn-key single-family homes and fully furnished short- or medium-term rentals are great for cash flow and appreciation.  Most DSCR Loans are fixed rate for thirty years, locking you into a fixed interest rate for the long-term. While, if historical patterns continue, rents and appreciation increase steadily each year.  These are a great tool to steadily build wealth over time through real estate.  Using investment property loans can help speed this process.

 

Where To Invest In Real Estate In Oregon

 

Oregon is a great market for real estate investors because of its diversified markets.  Portland is the largest city in the state and a major hub for real estate.  Salem is the capital and offers an affordable housing market. Eugene is the state’s third largest city and home to University of Oregon. Corvallis is a college town and home to Oregon State University. Finally, Bend, located in central Oregon, is known for its gorgeous landscapes – a perfect market for nature-friendly vacation rentals.

 

 

Portland

 

Portland is the largest city in Oregon, with a population of over 635,000 people. The Portland metropolitan area, has a population of approximately 2.2 million, making it the largest urban center in the state. The city boasts a diverse and thriving economy, with industries such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing playing key roles. Major employers in the area include Nike, Intel, and Providence Health & Services, providing a strong job market for renters. Per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Portland shows a very low unemployment rate of just 4.7% as of January 2024. Portland is also home to several prestigious universities and colleges, the University of Portland, attracting a significant student population in need of rental properties.

 

Portland’s robust economy and diverse population make it an attractive market for real estate investors. The city’s strong job market and steady population growth create a consistent demand for rental properties. Portland is renowned for its enticing arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. Additionally, the city offers a plethora of outdoor attractions, including Forest Park, Powell Butte Nature Park, and the iconic International Rose Test Garden. These amenities contribute to a thriving market for short-term rentals, catering to both tourists and locals alike.

 

Short-term rentals in Portland can be lucrative, thanks to the city’s popularity as a tourist destination. Investors can also capitalize on the city’s growing population and vibrant economy for long-term investment success. Portland’s thriving economy and wide range of attractions make it an ideal market for real estate investors seeking opportunities in single-family homes, multifamily properties, and short-term rentals.

 

 

Salem

 

Salem, the capital of Oregon, also holds the distinction of being the state’s second-largest city. It boasts a robust and diverse economy, supported by a wide range of industries. Major employers such as T-Mobile, United Technologies, and Cascade Steel contribute significantly to the city’s economic vitality, attracting a diverse group of residents.

 

Salem is home to Willamette University, a prominent educational institution in Oregon. However, it is more than just a college town, with a population of over 175,000 residents. The city offers a diverse array of museums and cultural attractions, including the Hallie Ford Museum of Art and the Oregon State Capitol.

 

Real estate investors specializing in niche strategies, such as student housing or short-term rentals, will discover Salem to be an excellent market. Willamette University drives consistent demand for student housing in the city due to its sizable student population. Investors who choose properties near the campus and cater to reliable students can enjoy attractive returns on their investments.

 

Salem is also a city that hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including the Salem Art Fair & Festival and Cherry Blossom Day at the Oregon State Capitol. These events draw in a significant number of visitors, creating a consistent demand for short-term rental properties. Salem’s diverse attractions and growing population make it an attractive market for student housing and short-term rentals.

 

According to the latest data from Redfin, Salem has a median home sale price of $434,900 as of March 2024. The city has experienced a remarkable surge in the real estate market, with houses being sold at an accelerated pace, showing a remarkable 19% year-over-year increase. These impressive statistics highlight the strong demand and growth potential that Salem offers to real estate investors.

 

 

Eugene

 

Eugene is a captivating city in the western part of the state, with a population of over 177,000 residents. Nestled in the stunning Willamette Valley, it is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, lush forests, and the scenic Willamette River. The city boasts a diverse economy, with healthcare, education, and technology sectors thriving. Eugene is also home to the University of Oregon, a public research university with more than 23,000 students. The Oregon Ducks football team is a perennial Pac-12 powerhouse, short-term rental demand soars during football season.

 

Known as Track Town, USA, Eugene is a hub for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, with attractions like the iconic Hayward Field and the Pre’s Trail, honoring legendary runner Steve Prefontaine. Additionally, the city has a fabulous arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.

 

Eugene boasts a lively downtown area teeming with charming shops, eclectic restaurants, and captivating cultural attractions, creating a magnetic allure for both locals and tourists. Real estate investors in Eugene can tap into the steady demand for both long-term and short-term rentals. The city hosts a calendar of exciting events, including the Oregon Country Fair and the Eugene Symphony performance. These events ensure a continuous flow of visitors seeking accommodation. Additionally, the allure of nearby natural wonders like the stunning Cascade Mountains and the picturesque Oregon Coast presents an opportunity for lucrative short-term rental income. Eugene’s location, with easy access to highways and airports, makes it a coveted destination for travelers keen to exploring.

 

Overall, Eugene’s diverse economy, attractive cultural attractions, and growing tourism industry make it an excellent market for real estate investors looking to purchase investment properties.

 

 

Corvallis

 

Corvallis, in western Oregon with a population of over 60,000, is one of the largest cities in the state. The city has a diverse economy, with leading industries of education and research, manufacturing, and sustainable technology.

 

Corvallis is home to Oregon State University. This renowned institution attracts a lively and varied community of 36,000 students. For real estate investors seeking beneficial opportunities, specializing in student housing in Corvallis can be a smart move. The constant influx of students ensures a consistent demand for quality housing, offering the potential for attractive returns on investment. With its unique blend of academic excellence and scenic surroundings, Corvallis provides an enticing opportunity for real estate investors in the student housing market.

 

Corvallis is also home to several cultural attractions that enrich the city’s animated atmosphere. The Museum of Natural and Cultural History and the Majestic Theatre are among the notable venues that offer engaging experiences for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, Corvallis benefits from its picturesque location in the heart of the Willamette Valley, attracting tourists throughout the year.

 

Corvallis has earned high praise as a promising market for short-term rental investors. According to AirDNA, Corvallis received a Market Grade of 84/100 and a Rental Demand score of 72/100. These remarkable rankings indicate a strong and thriving market for short-term rentals in the city. Investors can anticipate a monthly revenue of $1,600, offering an enticing opportunity for returns on their investments. With such favorable market conditions, Corvallis proves to be an attractive destination for real estate investors seeking to maximize their profits in the short-term rental market.

 

 

Bend

 

Bend is a captivating city nestled in the scenic landscapes of Central Oregon, renowned for its natural beauty and wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. With its proximity to the Cascade Mountains, residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing in the breathtaking surroundings. Bend’s vibrant vacation rental market attracts tourists throughout the year, with peak seasons during the summer months when the city comes alive with festivals and events like the Bend Summer Festival and the Bend Brewfest. These gatherings further enhance the city’s appeal, providing ample opportunities for rental income and a thriving real estate market.

 

Bend’s stunning natural scenery, proximity to Crater Lake National Park,, and consistent demand for vacation rentals make it an attractive market for short-term rental investors. According to the latest data from Zillow, Bend boasts a median monthly market rent of $2,400, indicating a lucrative market for rental properties. Real estate investors utilizing investment property DSCR loans can capitalize on low down payment options and enjoy high cash flow potential.

 

Ready to Get Started?

 

Ready to invest in real estate in Oregon?  Easy Street Capital is Oregon’s best provider of investment property loans for both hard money rehabs and long-term rental properties.

 

 

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About the Author

Reed Morley