Fast forward to the past few years, and the area is now highly desirable because of the high concentration of "intact" historic homes as well as quick n' easy access to subways.  

I am looking to be an OOS investor with the concentration on long term holds to build equity over cash flow.

It sounds like you and your husband have already identified a niche you'd like to concentrate on: MFH investing.

Any areas of the metroplex that I should concentrate on?

As well as the large concentration of aviation and aerospace companies.

The one main theme I have seen over the years and in my current role as a funder of these assets in the wholesale condition before they are bought by out of state folks.. is that OOS folks really need to concentrate on the better properties in a given area.. where I see heart ache is when they try to buy super low value homes IE the cheapest homes on the market in a given MSA.. not realizing that the tenant is also the hardest to manage.. just moving up 20k on the purchase will put them in a much better position to have a decent tenant and in an area that is not so tough to own in. 

I think several have gone public lately and are concentrating more on their present portfolio - as far as I've heard.So, you may have to shift and try to lure the retail buyer now

We are also currently in the market for SFHs and are mostly concentrating our looking in Rio Rancho.I'd love to know how you came to land in ABQ.  

Trying to follow Buffet's advice to concentrate efforts on one or two things that you do well and grow it.Gino

I am going to concentrate on section 8.