My clients from NYC buy only MF properties.

And it doesn't matter if it is owned in your personal name or LLC.You may find some benefits to having a real estate license when buying/selling, but you'll also introduce some new problems.

For the kind of money you’re talking to buy multi-family, you need a great inspector and great inspections.

I  think their free information on YouTube or podcasts is ok.

Property is cash flowing well under my HELOC, and I don't really need my money back from my HELOC until next year when i will buy another property.

I would be wary of buying a home in a residential neighborhood in ABQ with the goal of having a STR: Only CA rivals NM in terms of economic governmental tampering.

At this stage in my investing career I don't buy things that don't cash flow, so if the fixer upper is going to bleed cash until it's fixed, I wouldn't invest in it. 

Id be happy to be your contact if you would like some more information about the area.

I was just informed by one that the other got into some trouble and there is currently a military protective order against his roommate.

They make efforts here and there to keep you informed but it is not systematic.