For $200 I would've looked for a set of Tommy Armour 845's on ebay. Those were my first set and one of the most forgiving/playable irons I've ever owned.
Currently a 5.6 hdcp and I agree with Hog.....it's all about the short game. Anything inside 100 yrds, especially the odd stuff like 30/45/70 yd wedge shots. When I was a 12 hdcp I focused on working my wedge game....full-swing, 3/4, 1/2 swings and getting a good feel for far those shot carried, also worked on putting and got down to 3 hdcp in about 3 months (worked for golf resort at the time).
Currently using Callaway X-20 Tours, Titlelist D2 driver, callaway tour wedges, Titlelist 3, 5, hybrid metals and an old ping anser putter. I've got a set of Titlelist 690's and Wilson Pi5's also.
Portland has some really nice courses....lived there for about 4 years. Really liked Eastmoreland, Rose City and Quail Valley. Progress Downs (now called Red Tail?) was fun when it was dry as well as Meriwether.