Top low-risk / high-profit business models (globally)
| Business model | Why it’s profitable | Key risks to watch | Capital Expense | Risk | Profit | Where it works best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-storage | High occupancy, simple ops, low staff; sticky demand | Overbuilding, zoning | Medium | Low to Medium | High | U.S., Canada, growth metros |
| Waste hauling & transfer stations | Route density, recurring contracts, landfill scarcity | Permits, fuel costs | High | Low to Medium | High | Urban & suburban regions with disposal constraints |
| Telecom towers | Long leases, escalators, low churn | Tenant concentration, siting | High | Low to Medium | High | Emerging markets & fast-growing suburbs |
| Payment processing/merchant services (ISOs) | Recurring take-rate, asset-light | Chargebacks, regulatory | Low | Low to Medium | High | Everywhere with card penetration growth |
| Vertical Business to Business SaaS (mission-critical) | 80–90% gross margins, recurring | Churn if product not essential | Low | Medium | Very High | Any market with niche workflows |
| Insurance brokerage (not carrier) | Recurring commissions, asset-light | Carrier concentration, cycles | Low | Low to Medium | High | Mature markets; commercial lines |
| Express exterior car wash (membership) | Subscriptions, high throughput | Water costs/permits, weather | Medium to High | Medium | High | Sunbelt/suburbs with car culture |
| Parking lots/garages | Simple ops, cashflow from location | Zoning, remote work trends | Medium to High | Medium | Medium to High | CBDs, airports, hospitals |
| Dental & veterinary clinics (roll-ups) | Need-driven demand, private pay | Staffing, compliance | Medium | Medium | High | Middle/upper-income suburbs |
| Funeral homes/crematoria | Inelastic, recurring demand | Reputation, regulation | Medium | Low–Med | Medium to High | Stable, aging communities |
| Mobile home parks | Low capex/unit, stable rents | Regulatory optics, rent control | Medium | Medium | High | Sunbelt & Midwest (watch local laws) |
| Bookkeeping/Tax preparation MSP | Recurring, sticky SMB clients | Seasonality, talent | Low | Low | Medium to High | Everywhere SMB-dense |
| Industrial outdoor storage (IOS) | Land-driven, low capex | Zoning, lease-up | Medium | Medium | High | Logistics corridors near ports/interstates |
| Toll roads / long-term concessions | Regulated returns, monopolistic | Political/regulatory | Very High | Low to Medium | High | Concessionary markets (EU, LATAM, Asia) |
| Distributed solar + long PPAs | Contracted cashflows | Policy/interest-rate risk | High | Medium | Medium to High | High-insolation, stable policy (US Southwest) |
By region (quick take)
- United States : Self-storage, waste, industrial services, B2B SaaS, insurance brokerages, dental/vet clinics, IOS, parking near hospitals/airports.
Oregon: Storage and waste are steady; car wash viability is site-specific due to water rights; outdoor/eco-tourism services can work in destination corridors.
How to pick “lowest-risk + profitable” where you operate
- Define risk & profit with numbers: seek 20%+ EBITDA margins (or 15%+ unlevered IRR) and <1.5x net debt/EBITDA; customer concentration <20% for any single account.
- Favor recurring revenue: subscriptions, memberships, long-term contracts (PPAs, MSAs, concessions).
- Prefer local moats: zoning scarcity (self-storage), route density (waste), exclusive easements (towers), hospital adjacency (parking).
- Regulatory predictability: regulated ROE (utilities/concessions) beats “unregulated high margin” in downcycles.
- Asset-light when possible: brokerages, SaaS, MSPs; if asset-heavy, insist on barriers (permits, scarce land).
- Underwrite by state: check water/sewer hookup, stormwater, traffic counts, flood/fire maps, impact fees, and any rent-control or franchise rules.
Top 10 reasons to invest in the State of Oregon, United States of America
Favorable Business Climate & Incentives
Southern Oregon offers lower operating costs than many neighboring states (especially California), and Oregon has tax advantages such as no sales tax and incentives for business investment.
Additionally, property tax holidays (3–5 years, or up to 15 years in rural areas) can make capital investments more palatable.
Growing Infrastructure & Strategic Investments
The region is supporting “generational” infrastructure projects (water treatment, new interchanges, freight corridors) to unlock land for employment and development.
Public and private partnerships are being marshaled via organizations like SOREDI (Southern Oregon Economic Development) to accelerate growth.
Strong Tourism & Outdoor Economy
Tourism is already a major economic engine: in 2022, visitor spending in Southern Oregon hit ~$1.3 billion (a 14 % increase over 2021).
Oregon’s broader outdoor recreation economy is also expanding (valued at $8.4 billion in 2023), supporting jobs and local business growth.
Investments that leverage natural assets (lodging, recreation, eco-tourism) can amplify returns.
Population & Income Growth Momentum
In Jackson County (which includes Medford), income growth between 2019 and 2022 outpaced 91% of U.S. metros.
While statewide forecasts show some cooling, the Southern region’s strategic focus and relative affordability offer upside potential.
Affordability & Entry Barriers Lower Than Urban Areas
Real estate and development costs are generally lower in Southern Oregon compared to Portland, Seattle, or California markets.
This improves margin potential and reduces capital risk for early movers.
Strong Quality of Life & Amenity Appeal
The region offers abundant outdoor amenities (mountains, rivers, forests) which attract in-migration of retirees, remote workers, and lifestyle-driven buyers.
Medford, in particular, is said to enjoy over 200 days of sunshine annually, a pleasant climate for many.
Supportive Economic Development Ecosystem
Entities like SOREDI help with business relocation, grants, permitting navigation, and strategic planning.
The region has a formal Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) targeting innovation, resilience, and investment alignment. S
Diverse Economy with Room to Grow
The local economy is not reliant on a single sector; agriculture, forestry, tourism, small manufacturing, and healthcare all have presence.
For instance, Southern Oregon continues to develop land for light industrial, retail, and service uses.
This diversity helps buffer risk.
Land Use & Regulatory Leverage (When Done Right)
Because many parts of Southern Oregon remain under-developed or rural, there is opportunity to assemble larger parcels or rezone with the right planning.
Also, Oregon’s land-use system encourages densification within growth boundaries, creating scarcity and value for well-located parcels. (This is more of an “if you play smart” lever.)
First-Mover & Underserved Market Advantage
Many investors focus on highly visible markets (Portland, Salem, Bend). Southern Oregon, in comparison, is less saturated.
That means those who get in early in promising submarkets may capture outsized gains as infrastructure and demand follow.
Also, as California pressures push people northwards (for cost, climate, etc.), Southern Oregon might benefit from spillover migration.
Strategic gateway to high-tech supply chains and export markets
Oregon has strengths in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and global trade infrastructure, making it a compelling place for Vietnamese businesses or capital to plug into global value chains with strong connectivity.
Here’s a strong, high-level reason (and supporting rationale) why Vietnam might want to invest in the State of Oregon, especially leveraging Oregon’s ports for import / trade:
Key Reason: Strategic Access to North American Markets via a Pacific Gateway
By investing in Oregon’s ports and related infrastructure, Vietnam firms (or Vietnam-backed investors) could gain a reliable foothold on the U.S. West Coast, giving more direct and competitive access to U.S. and North American markets. This can lower logistic costs, reduce transit times, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Supporting Arguments & Benefits
- Shorter & More Predictable Supply Chains
Rather than routing goods through multiple transshipment hubs or via congested ports on the U.S. West Coast (e.g. Southern California), having a stake in Oregon ports could offer a more controlled, reliable import pathway, reducing delays, risks, and uncertainty. - Diversification & Risk Mitigation
Relying on a single or limited set of ports increases exposure to congestion, regulatory disruptions, natural disasters, or labor disputes. Having investments in Oregon provides an alternate route to buffer against those risks. - Tariff / Trade Policy Hedging
With evolving U.S.–Vietnam and U.S.–Asia trade policies, having a presence in the U.S. trade infrastructure may provide more influence or flexibility in navigating tariffs, customs, and regulatory changes. - Leverage Oregon’s Trade Infrastructure & Multimodal Connectivity
Oregon has a multimodal transportation infrastructure (sea, rail, road) offering efficient access from ports into the interior U.S. Portland Metro Chamber+2Oregon+2
For example, the Port of Portland operates Oregon’s only deep-draft container port, with intermodal links (rail, river, roads) that can move goods inland efficiently. Wikipedia+1 - Mutual Trade & Bilateral Momentum
Oregon and Vietnam are already increasing their trade engagement: Oregon legislators recently signed a port-to-port agreement to coordinate on shipping logistics and strengthen commerce ties. KMTR
Additionally, Vietnam ranks among Oregon’s export markets, and electronics & computer parts form a substantial part of trade flows between Oregon and Vietnam. My Oregon News+2Oregon+2
This suggests existing trade momentum that can be deepened with investment. - Economic & Job Benefits in Oregon That Support Long-Term Stability
Ports in Oregon support a significant portion of trade-based employment, and trade is an important contributor to Oregon’s GDP. Port of Portland+2Oregon+2
Thus, Vietnamese investors could build goodwill and partnerships by aligning their interests with local economic development. - Real Estate, Logistics & Value-Added Services Along the Corridor
Beyond the port itself, investment opportunities lie in logistics parks, warehousing, distribution centers, cold chain operations, assembly or processing facilities near port or rail nodes. That adds additional value beyond pure shipping. - First-Mover & Competitive Positioning
Many Asian exporters focus on traditionally dominant U.S. ports (e.g. LA/Long Beach, Seattle). By investing in Oregon, Vietnam’s firms could be among early movers in this corridor, securing advantageous terms and partnerships before the route becomes saturated. - Environmental & Regulatory Trends
As supply chains are pressured to decarbonize, having a U.S.-based port operation might help in meeting “green supply chain” standards (e.g. emissions tracking, local sourcing of energy) and avoiding certain import penalties or ESG risks. - Long-Term Strategic Alignment
The U.S. and Vietnam are deepening trade and diplomatic ties. Investment in Oregon’s ports aligns strategically with that trend, potentially availing favorable treatment, support, or partnerships through state, federal, or bilateral programs.
Top reason why Vietnam and other foreign countries should invest in Oregon
- Export orientation & trade infrastructure
- Oregon exports ~$34 + billion in goods, with strong emphasis on electronics and computer & electronic products. United States Trade Representative+2Portland Metro Chamber+2
- About 4% of Oregon’s exports go to Vietnam on a typical 3-year average, showing existing trade ties. Oregon
- Oregon’s multimodal logistics (ports, rail, road, air) give advantages for accessing both U.S. and Pacific Rim markets. Portland Metro Chamber+1
- Complementarities in high technology and innovation
- Oregon positions itself in target sectors like semiconductors, electronics, metals & machinery in its global strategy. Oregon
- Vietnam is already a manufacturing base for companies whose headquarters or design centers are in Oregon (e.g. Intel), suggesting synergies. Meta Corporation+1
- Oregon’s institutions supporting R&D and advanced manufacturing, like the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC), provide infrastructure and collaborative platforms for new investment. Wikipedia
- State & local incentives and supportive investment policies
- Oregon offers programs like the Strategic Investment Program (SIP), which can grant long-term property tax abatements for eligible investments. RemotePeople
- The state has an explicit “Global Opportunity / Inbound Attraction” strategy to attract foreign direct investment. Oregon
- Business Oregon (the state’s economic development arm) facilitates trade and investment, export support, and can act as a bridge for foreign investors. Oregon+2Oregon+2
- Political will and demonstrated interest in U.S.–Vietnam ties
- Oregon lawmakers have traveled to Vietnam to strengthen trade links and create a trade caucus, signaling commitment to deepen bilateral economic engagement. KATU+1
- Oregon has set up or plans trade centers in Vietnam/Taiwan to promote its goods abroad. CitizenPortal
- Vietnam’s leadership has publicly welcomed cooperation and investment with Oregon, especially in technology, green economy, and sustainable development. THE VOICE OF VIETNAM+1
- Mutual benefit: risk diversification & value capture
- For Vietnamese firms, investing in Oregon helps diversify manufacturing/operations across geographies (hedging risk from concentrated supply chains).
- For Oregon, Vietnamese capital and firms bring technological, manufacturing, and commercial links to Asia, helping deepen Oregon’s integration into Asia-Pacific supply networks.
- Because Oregon’s exports are technologically intensive (electronics, machinery), Vietnamese firms that invest there may gain access to higher value-add segments of the value chain.