Send us a text In this episode, Rashelle Newmyer heads to Independence, Oregon, to visit the charming and history-rich Cooperhouse B&B, owned by the dynamic duo Kevin Kryger & Tasha Brandon. They welcomed her onto their dreamy covered porch, where they sipped Fox Farm Pinot Noir as they explored the unexpected journey that turned two “COVID purchases” into a full-blown bed-and-breakfast vision. The Cooperhouse is a warm, welcoming, intentionally unplugged bed-and-breakfast, where guests come to slow down, connect, and experience authentic Willamette Valley charm. The Cooperhouse is surrounded by community charm, including the Saturday farmers markets bursting with local produce, the farm-to-table culture, and the unique climate that allows everything from berries to hops to mint to thrive. If you’ve ever driven through the valley during harvest, you know the smell of fresh mint in the air, grapes warming on the vines, and endless fields of Oregon-grown goodness. Tasha and Kevin share the rich local history of The Cooperhouse. Built in 1910 by J.R. Cooper, a prominent businessman who had deep roots in the Independence community. At the turn of the century, Independence was a buzzing hotspot. More than 40,000 migrant workers came every year to work the hop fields, trains rolled right into downtown, and the town was filled with bars, boarding houses, and even a rumored brothel. Today, locals still share stories from families who have lived here for 50 years or more, keeping the town’s history alive. Kevin and Tasha reveal their exciting plans for 2026: the opening of The Taylorhouse, located right off the train tracks. This beautifully aged 1870s colonial will become The Train Stop, a curated marketplace featuring upcycled home décor, refurbished furniture, and the work of local artisans. Think soaps, jewelry, paintings, crafts, floral workshops, wreath-making classes, and a year-round home for small makers who typically only get exposure at seasonal markets. It’s a dream for the community and a huge win for local creatives. Tasha, being a lender, and Rashelle, being a realtor, the conversation takes a natural pivot into real estate investing. They break down the myths around owning a second home, especially the fear of, “I can barely afford one mortgage, how could I afford two?” In reality, there are numerous lending programs, creative financing options, and investment strategies available. And with interest rates dropping in late 2025 and the return of 100% bonus depreciation under the newly passed bill, it’s an especially powerful time for investors looking to build long-term wealth. They talk about FHA options, DSCR loans, which are based on the property’s income rather than yours, and the advantages of multifamily homes, like living in one unit of a duplex while renting out the others. Equity, appreciation, and rental demand in college towns also come up, especially since Independence is near a university. The bottom line: don’t wait for the “perfect” market. Conditions evolve, prices continue to rise, and opportunities favor action-takers. Grab a glass, sit back, and enjoy this history-filled, grape-stained, real-estate-nerdy episode. Cheers! Thank you for listening! Connect and collaborate with Realtor Rashelle on any of her social media platform pages > https://linktr.ee/RealtorRashelle
