When looking at different metros and conducting due diligence some metrics that can help find the best deal are; job growth, job diversification, rent growth and population growth.

Good foundational pieces when evaluating a market are; job growth, job diversification, rent growth and population growth.

As job, population and rent growth continue to rise adding in job diversification with new corporations relocating to DFW is only continuing to help. 

Goals are just for growth/investment diversification.  

Charlotte has seen and will continue to see; population growth, rent growth, job growth and job diversification which are positives for a growing metro.

@Chase Lowry, diversification is an important strategy for many people and retirement plans offer significant tax and other benefits which real estate investing cannot always provide.

But there are benefits to investing out of market beyond the price point including diversification of your portfolio. 

Therefore, let me just tell you what I'd personally do if I was in your situation, according for what you wrote.First and foremost, diversification is always a good idea to avoid any potential "catastrophic" outcomes.

Now don't get me wrong, I get the someone else is paying down your mortgage, forced appreciation, tax benefits, diversification etc.   

I understand the limits applied by Fannie Mae, but just for diversification purposes would it be wise to start looking at a different bank?