Jonathan Haidle

Well, I think it's important to note that different areas of Portland perform quite differently from each other. Here is the appreciation data from last month on specific areas (October 2006 - October 2007, from RMLS data).

N Portland: 8.5%
NE Portland: 5.9%
Gresham: 8.8%
Clackamas: -1.7%
Oregon City/Canby: 3.7%
Lake O/West Linn: 3.8%
W Portland: 3.7%
NW Wash County: 2.7%
Beaverton/Aloha: 3.8%
Tigard/Wilsonville: 5.4%
Hillsboro/Forest Grove: 8.7%
Mt.Hood: 8.8%
Columbia County: 13%
Yamhill County: 8.2%

If you, or any other readers would like to receive a copy each month, go to our website to sign-up:
http://www.PortlandFixerFinder.com/market-reports

Also, I think buying a home in areas that have a strong commercial presence (i.e. restaurants, shops, etc.) really increases the livability of an area.........making it more desirable.......appreciation is consequently stronger........etc. Here's a map of particular areas in inner NE & inner SE Portland with strong cultural areas (and even a little bit of SW Portland):
http://www.PortlandFixerFinder.com/Portland-Hot-Spots - Thu Dec 6 2007, 13:53

Your question is a bit confusing, in terms of your motives for why you are looking for such an arrangement. Are you hoping to trade work for rent? Do you simply like modifying and changing a space to "make it your own?" I'm assuming that the goal is to hope to trade work for rent. If that's the case, I would advertise this to landlords who are listing their places for rent. This should help you stand apart from other potential renters. Either the landlord is going to be REALLY interested, or probably equally not interested. Good luck! - Wed Dec 5 2007, 00:40