Certain Oregon counties will only accept a CHL application from adjoining out-of-state counties (for example, Clatsop County will only accept applications from Pacific, Grays Harbor or Wahkiakun County in Washington State, while Lincoln and Clackamas Counties won't issue to out-of-state at all,) Multnomah County will only accept "Washington" applications (so not Idaho, California, or Nevada, even though residents of those states may legally get an Oregon non-resident CHL.)
I have heard from a Vancouver resident that he got his CHL through Multnomah County Sheriff with no problems, with a mere "self-protection" as the claimed reason - but that might have been before the current Sheriff, I don't remember the timing for certain. I have also heard that Washington County is fairly friendly (the county Hillsboro / MK Tactical is in.)
Just about any gun safety class will qualify you - just make sure it's from an instructor that says it works for an Oregon CHL. You do have to apply in person, and at least for Multnomah County, you have to set an appointment ahead of time. The appointment is quick, though.
If you can get to Grant County, their sheriff treats out-of-state applications as "shall issue".