Those cities all have potential. As Kaye said it is always tricky purchasing out of state property. I would suggest a property manager. You want to do a rental survey to check on rents in the area and vacancy factor. As an investor I appreciate California Real Estate. Yes, it is pricey but has had the greatest appreciation rate. Consider staying within several hours of your home or you will grow to regret it. It is a great time to invest and buy.

Grant.. Markets are always changing.. The best place to invest is within a 2 -3 hour drive of where you live. If you are living in San Ramon then investing out of state is always a risky thing to do. You don't know the area and if there is a problem you are a long way from your property. I have clients who bought in FL and were in a hurricane area.. it was very difficult trying to get insurance settled and rebuild.

I just came back from Portland and the market is slow.. I have relatives in Utah and that market is good now but can dry up quickly. I'm guessing the same is true of Albuquerque.. Any market can be hot hot hot and then turn cold.