He lived in one unit for two years, fixed up the property, and gradually increased rents.

Longer term, meaning next 30-40 years, Bond market will do what its always done to runaway Fiscal looseness and it will take 10yr up to 10 -16% to put pressure on FED to deleverage the last 45 years of crazy spending, like it had to do from '45 to '82, or 1900-1925, slow and gradual. 

Right now you have a market where existing landlords have all these properties at cheap prices where they can afford to charge less for rent than new buyers and many don't want to shock their tenants by jumping rents by $400+ in one rental cycle... so we are gradually easing those tenants upwards each year.  

I'm just gradually deleveraging, this next time by likely buying all in cash, and continuing to not lever my properties until cap rates are lower than interest rates... unless I can get cheap and low leverage debt through assumption.

But I don't think my house fits her budge since she is really struggle with rent payment although my rent is below the market (I do plan to raise my rent gradually). 

With interest rates climbing gradually and the "potential" for a recession, the need for housing is still at an all-time high and people are choosing apartments for several reasons.

I get the whole 'dont fall so far behind market value' narrative but this is a long term play for me to gradually trade less of my time for w2 income if you will.

Start with one unit or a reliable tenant, then gradually expand.

To build long-term wealth, start small, scale gradually, focus on cash flow, educate yourself, understand financing options, and be patient.Good luck!

Historically, this market gradually trends upwards, with few dips, and less volatility in real estate purchase and rental prices. 7) The greater ABQ metro area and Santa Fe have a population of approximately 1,000,000.