How To Wholesale Real Estate In Oregon: Step-By-Step (2025)

Looking to crack the code on how to wholesale real estate in Oregon? Whether you’re hunting deals in Portland, Eugene, or tucked-away towns with untapped potential, Oregon is full of overlooked opportunities if you know where to look and how to move fast.

To help you get a real edge, we’re giving away two of our most valuable tools for FREE: our Ultimate Guide to Start Real Estate Investing and the exact wholesale real estate contracts our students use to secure and close deals across the country, including right here in Oregon.

Ready to make your first wholesale deal happen? Let’s walk through exactly how to do it, step by step:

• What Is Wholesaling Real Estate?
• How To Wholesale Real Estate In Oregon (9 Steps)
• Is Wholesaling Real Estate Legal In Oregon?
• How Much Do Real Estate Wholesalers Make In Oregon?
• Do I Need A License To Wholesale Real Estate In Oregon?
• Is Wholesaling In Oregon Easy?
• Final Thoughts On Wholesaling In Oregon

*Before we begin our guide on how to wholesale real estate in Oregon, we invite you to view our video on How To Wholesale Real Estate Step by Step (IN 21 DAYS OR LESS)!

Host and CEO of Real Estate Skills, Alex Martinez, provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for beginners to start wholesaling real estate!

What Is Wholesaling Real Estate?

Wholesaling real estate is the process of finding deeply discounted properties, putting them under contract, and then assigning that contract to a cash buyer for a profit, without ever owning the property yourself.

If you're learning how to wholesale real estate in Oregon, it starts with locating motivated sellers—often homeowners facing foreclosure, divorce, or financial stress—who are willing to sell below market value. As the wholesaler, your role is to secure an Oregon real estate contract with the seller and then assign that contract to a real estate investor or house flipper who will close the deal.

In exchange for connecting the dots, you earn what's called an assignment fee—usually several thousand dollars. It's a fast-moving strategy that doesn’t require you to buy or renovate property, making it a popular entry point for new investors exploring how to wholesale real estate in Oregon and other states across the country.

Read Also: How to Start Investing in Real Estate with No Money

Why Wholesale Real Estate In Oregon?

Wholesaling real estate in Oregon can be a profitable strategy, especially with the state's median home price of $507,256 according to Zillow, which suggests a robust market for both buyers and sellers.

With 954 properties currently in foreclosure, 200 bank-owned properties, and 712 properties headed for auction, according to RealtyTrac, there are ample opportunities for wholesalers to acquire homes below market value. These distressed properties can be flipped or resold to investors, providing wholesalers with significant profit potential.

The demand for affordable housing and the abundance of distressed properties make Oregon an ideal state to explore wholesaling real estate.

Want a Mentor Who's Actually Done This Before?

If you’re serious about learning how to wholesale real estate in Oregon and you want to avoid spinning your wheels, we’ve got something for you. Our Ultimate Investor Program walks you through every step, from finding motivated sellers to locking up contracts and getting paid. It's designed to cut out the confusion and give you a proven game plan.

Not sure where to begin? Download our FREE Ultimate Guide to Start Real Estate Investing and take the first step today. It’s the easiest way to start taking action with confidence.

How To Wholesale Real Estate In Oregon (9 Steps)

Here’s our proven process for wholesaling your first deals and beyond in the state of Oregon. Be sure to check out our in-depth video showing you how to wholesale real estate step by step here:

With that in mind, here's our simple step-by-step process for wholesaling real estate in Oregon:

1. Partner With A Wholesale Mentor
2. Learn Oregon Real Estate Wholesaling Laws & Contracts
3. Understand The Oregon Real Estate Market & Lingo
4. Build A Cash Buyers List
5. Find Motivated Sellers & Distressed Properties
6. Put Distressed Properties Under Contract
7. Assign The Contract To Cash Buyer
8. Close Deal And Collect Assignment Fee
9. Double Close Or Wholetail When Necessary

1. Partner With A Wholesale Mentor

As in any other industry, working alongside an established wholesaler can help you learn the ropes. By tapping into a mentor’s years of experience, you can save time and money by avoiding costly mistakes. Mentors can also walk you through your first deal and ensure that you are making a sound decision for your clients.

Not only can a wholesale mentor give you insight into the wholesale real estate business, but they can also help you grow your network, a must to succeed in wholesaling.

Wholesaling houses requires a sizable contact list of end buyers, real estate agents, and real estate investors. Finding a mentor will give you a head start in building your buyers list and making your first few wholesale deals.

You can find experienced wholesalers offering mentoring through formal mentorship programs.

Read Also: Best Wholesale Real Estate Course (Step-By-Step Training)

2. Learn Oregon Real Estate Wholesaling Laws And Contracts

After connecting with a mentor, the next step is familiarizing yourself with the laws relevant to selling wholesale properties in Oregon.

Wholesaling real estate is a lucrative opportunity, but it also carries risk. Having a thorough understanding of state contract law will prevent any misunderstandings between you, the seller, or the buyer.

You can begin by searching the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials website, which covers the real estate license laws in every state. You can also check in with local REALTOR associations for more information.

Wholesalers operating in Oregon may do so under the exemptions outlined in ORS 696.030 – Real Estate and Escrow Activities.

Under this statute, wholesalers are legally permitted to sell their contractual rights to a property. In Oregon, wholesalers can carry this out through an assignment of contract. This means that the end-buyer purchases the stipulations of the property contract from the wholesaler, rather than the property itself.

To avoid any problems with state law, wholesalers must not perform any sales activities that require a real estate license.

You should also be mindful of state or municipal laws around property ownership, sale, and transfer, insurance requirements, and any other regulations.

3. Understand The Oregon Real Estate Market And Lingo

Successful wholesaling requires a deep understanding of the local property market. You should devote considerable time to learning about the factors affecting Oregon’s real estate market.

Oregon has three dozen counties, which include urban, suburban, and rural communities. The three most populous counties, Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas, are home to more than 1.8 million residents. Learning about the housing market in these areas is a good place to begin.

You can also focus on Oregon’s top three cities, Portland, Salem, and Eugene. Average home prices range considerably. While home prices in the Portland metropolitan area are nearly double the national average at more than $525,000, smaller cities such as Salem and Eugene remain relatively more affordable.

Start your research by identifying the most attractive areas. Look for towns with excellent school districts, universities, and dynamic job markets, as these tend to have the most lucrative real estate investment opportunities.

You can find much more specific information about the Oregon housing market by contacting local associations and commissions. You can browse through the websites below and gather more data:

• Oregon REALTORS
• Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (PMAR)
• Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA)
• East Metro Association of REALTORS (EMAR)

4. Build A Cash Buyers List

So, now that you have a solid understanding of the Oregon real estate market, you can start to build a list of your ideal cash buyers. Cash buyers are highly motivated investors who have the liquidity to close deals very quickly.

These buyers tend to buy houses in bulk and are generally experienced in wholesale deals. They do not need financing from hard money lenders or banks.

Since wholesale deals require timely executions, having a list of cash buyers on hand can facilitate the transaction process. Since buyers have the cash up front, sellers often waive requirements like an earnest money deposit to proceed with the deal.

The best way to build a cash buyers list is by going where the potential buyers are. Attend auctions, networking events, and conferences and let people know what you do. You can also advertise yourself on popular forums like Craigslist and industry blogs.

The success of your wholesale real estate venture relies on your cash buyers list. The more investors you can add to your Rolodex, the better.

5. Find Motivated Sellers & Distressed Properties

Once you have a strong buyers list, you can start the search for motivated sellers.

Homeowners can be motivated for many reasons. Perhaps they are facing foreclosure and need to secure a quick deal. Others may be on the verge of paying two mortgages if they do not sell their current property. You can find motivated sellers through off-market listings, on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), or through referrals from a real estate agent.

Distressed properties are also ideal investment properties for wholesaling. These include REO properties, which are owned by the bank through foreclosure. Since the bank is more interested in offloading these assets, the properties are often sold way below market value.

You can also search through public records and look for signs that indicate a property may be distressed. This might include missed mortgage payments, foreclosure notices, or probate announcements. This can lead to amazing deals for wholesalers, who can then pass on the property to a real estate investor.

Read Also: How To Buy Foreclosed Homes In Oregon

6. Put Distressed Properties Under Contract

If your research leads you to an interesting real estate deal, you can start the first phase of the wholesale deal.

Before making an offer, you will need to know a few numbers. The most important is the Maximum Allowable Offer (MAO). The MAO formula determines the most you are able to pay and still make your profit target.

Without an MAO in mind, you may make the rookie mistake of offering too high a purchase price. While the deal itself may be below market value, your end-buyer may not be able to turn a profit after investing in renovations. This mistake can cut heavily into your profits, and even delay the property sale.

Before you determine your MAO, let's look at how to lock in that property.

Watch this video to learn how to confidently fill out real estate contracts and secure your deal.

You can calculate the MAO using this formula:

MAO = After Repair Value – Rehab Costs – Holding Costs - Desired Profit - Wholesale Fee

Here is a step-by-step explanation of each of these figures and how they are used to determine your Maximum Allowable Offer formula.

Calculate your ARV - Since the property is distressed, the sales price won’t reflect its true market value. You can calculate this amount by searching comps on Zillow or Redfin. You should also consider how any changes to the layout will affect the home’s value.

Estimate repair costs - Most end buyers will renovate the home in order to resell the property and make a profit. Ask a professional to provide you with an estimate for the cost of repairing the property.

Calculate desired profit - Real estate investors look for deals that will net a profit between 10% to 30%. Consider this when you make your offer so you don’t turn any potential buyers off.

Include wholesale fee - Now, you can calculate your wholesale or assignment fee. Most wholesalers factor around $10,000 or more for their assignment fees per deal. However, consider your market, closing costs, the profitability of the deal, and other factors before adding your assignment fee to the final numbers.

Plug the figures above into the MAO to calculate your max price. Use the MAO as a guideline and try to secure the property for under that amount.

Now you are ready to make an offer!

If your offer is accepted, it is important to draft any purchase and sales agreements with the help of an experienced legal professional or a licensed real estate agent.

7. Assign The Contract To Cash Buyer

At this step in the process, your business with the seller is over. Now, you can now proceed with the assignment of contract from your ownership of the property forward to the buyer.

Essentially, you transfer the obligations of the contract to the buyer.

However, you must make sure that the contract is assignable. Always work with a real estate attorney during this stage in the process to ensure that your agreements are above board and crystal clear to all parties.

Read Also: Wholesale Real Estate Contract: The (Ultimate) Guide

8. Close Deal And Collect Assignment Fee

Once the buyer signs on the dotted line and funds the deal, the transaction is complete. You can collect your assignment fee from the end buyer.

The buyer will fund the deal according to the terms you agreed on. The seller will receive the funds according to the terms of the original contract, and you’ll receive the assignment fee according to your assignment contract.

9. Double Close Or Wholesale When Necessary

There are a few other options for closing a wholesale deal.

Instead of making a contract with the seller and assigning it to the buyer, you can do a double closing. When this happens, you create concurrent purchase agreements with both the seller and the end buyer. In a double closing, a title company can hold the buyer’s funds in escrow and transfer the money to the seller. A private money lender can also fill this role.

You can also consider wholetailing. This combines some aspects of flipping houses and wholesaling. Rather than selling a distressed property to a cash buyer, you do some minor upgrades (not a full renovation) on it. Now you can market the property on the MLS to potential investors. This method provides flexibility and more time for the wholesaler to land a new buyer who may even get a mortgage on the property due to the minor repairs you’ve made.

*For in-depth training on real estate investing, Real Estate Skills offers extensive courses to get you ready to make your first investment! Attend our FREE Webinar Training and gain insider knowledge, expert strategies, and essential skills to make the most of every real estate opportunity that comes your way!

Is Wholesaling Real Estate Legal In Oregon?

Yes, wholesaling real estate is legal in Oregon, but the way you do it matters. Under House Bill 4058, anyone who markets or assigns contracts without actually owning the property must register with the Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA). That means if you’re assigning contracts (selling your equitable interest before closing), you need a real estate wholesaler license in Oregon.

If you choose to assign contracts, you'll need to register with OREA, complete a background check, and pay the $300 annual registration fee. To stay compliant, be sure to review Oregon’s ORS Chapter 696, which outlines real estate and escrow activities governed by the state.

Read Also: How To Wholesale With A Realtor: The (ULTIMATE) Guide

Oregon Wholesale Real Estate Laws

If you're learning how to wholesale real estate in Oregon, it's crucial to understand the state laws that govern this strategy. Oregon passed a new law in 2024 that directly impacts wholesalers, and there are several existing statutes that also come into play. Here are the most important laws you need to know before assigning contracts or marketing deals:

• HB 4058 (effective now) requires wholesalers to register with the Oregon Real Estate Agency if they plan to assign contracts without owning the property. The law applies to anyone marketing equitable interests—like purchase agreements or options—and includes a $300 registration fee and a background check.
• ORS 696.010 defines what constitutes a real estate broker. If you’re helping others buy or sell real estate for compensation—even indirectly through wholesaling—you could be considered a broker under this statute.
• ORS 696.020 outlines who must hold a broker’s license. It’s illegal to engage in brokerage activity without proper licensure, which could include advertising properties you don’t own.
• ORS 696.301 lists prohibited acts by unlicensed individuals. For wholesalers, this includes misrepresenting your role in a deal or marketing properties without disclosure.
• ORS 696.990 spells out the fines and penalties for acting as a broker without a license. Violations may lead to civil penalties, cease-and-desist orders, or further legal action.
• ORS 93.780 governs the notice requirements during foreclosure. If you're targeting distressed properties or sellers in default, you must ensure compliance with disclosure laws during the notice period.
• ORS 93.905 is part of Oregon’s Equity Conveyance statute, which protects homeowners in foreclosure. Wholesalers dealing with pre-foreclosures must follow specific notice and contract rules under this law.

How Much Do Real Estate Wholesalers Make In Oregon?

Wholesaling properties is a very lucrative niche in the real estate market. The average wholesaler can earn around $10,000 from a single deal.

New wholesalers may close between 5 to 10 deals per year, resulting in a respectable $50,000 to $100,000 annual income.

As you gain more experience and grow your client base, it’s possible to make hundreds of thousands of dollars per month.

The really compelling aspect of wholesale income is that your potential to make big money is virtually unlimited. Even if you only close one deal a month, let’s say, $10,000, you’re talking about a six-figure income for the year!

The most successful wholesalers hire team members to help them operate and scale their wholesale real estate businesses. Wholesalers at this level can earn millions in profit per year.

Do I Need A License To Wholesale Real Estate In Oregon?

No, as long as you’re double closing or wholesaling your deals, you do not need a license or registration to wholesale real estate in Oregon. These methods involve taking legal title to the property before reselling, which means you're acting as a principal, not assigning contracts or acting on behalf of others.

However, if you plan to assign contracts or market your equitable interest in a property you don’t own, Oregon’s House Bill 4058 requires you to register as a "residential property wholesaler" with the Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA). This rule went into effect July 1, 2025, and applies to anyone wholesaling 1-to-4 unit residential properties without taking ownership first.

Is Wholesaling In Oregon Easy?

Wholesaling is not a form of passive income and not a source of easy money. If that were the case, everyone would do it. However, since there is no cap on what can be earned through wholesaling, it is a very lucrative market for determined real estate entrepreneurs.

Becoming successful in the wholesaling business requires a little bit of capital, excellent communication skills, a strong network of real estate investors, and a deep understanding of relevant laws and regulations. This can be overwhelming for beginners.

Starting your career with our Pro Wholesaler VIP Program can put you on the right track. This program is completely online, and you can complete it at your own pace.

The Pro Wholesaler VIP Program is designed for the modern entrepreneur to learn the basics and how to help new real estate wholesalers avoid the pitfalls typically found by beginners. It is 100% online and is used for local and virtual real estate wholesaling.

Taking advantage of our all-inclusive program puts you in a better position, as you will have access to step-by-step guidance on best practices in wholesaling. You will also have exclusive access to a national community of seasoned real estate professionals who can help you get your wholesaling endeavors off the ground.

Final Thoughts On Wholesaling In Oregon

Learning how to wholesale real estate in Oregon isn’t just possible; it’s a smart strategy if you know the rules and approach it the right way. Whether you’re working deals in Portland, Salem, or smaller towns across the state, understanding local regulations, like House Bill 4058, is essential.

If you're serious about learning how to wholesale real estate in Oregon, start by building the right foundation: master the laws, sharpen your negotiation skills, and build a strong network of buyers and sellers. With the right tools and strategy, you can build a scalable business that helps motivated sellers and earns consistent income, all while staying on the right side of the law.

Ready to take action? Download our free Ultimate Guide and grab the wholesale contracts to get started today.

*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.