Help Deciding: Milwaukee or KC

[William S.]

I could really need some help deciding what to do here.

I'm about to jump into real estate investing (rental properties) and am stuck between which city to invest in. I'm not interested in doing both cities, just one.

I'm originally from the KC area, but recently moved to Milwaukee. I do not know how long I will be in Milwaukee (move a lot due to changing jobs). Someday I may move back to KC, or I may stay put in Milwaukee. I don't know what the future holds.

I've been researching for several months and have a few pros and cons for investing in each city. Please feel free to add more.

Kansas City

• Pros
  • A lot of deals that cashflow
  • Lower crime 
  • Lower property taxes
  • Lower house prices
  • House are more updated (better quality)
  • Heavy investor city 
  • Easier to find pm, team, etc
  • Increasing home values
  • Job growth
  • I have more knowledge on this area
  • More turnkey providers
• Cons
  • Not local (currently)

Milwaukee

• Pros
  • Local (currently)
  • Some knowledge of the area
• Cons
  • Higher house prices
  • Higher property taxes
  • Higher crime (shootings!)
  • Old homes that haven't been updated
  • Haven't found many turnkey providers

As you can see from above it seems to be an obvious choice, however my current location (living in Milwaukee) could play a big factor in the decision. Thoughts? Help? Thanks!

[Mike D'Arrigo]

@Sam SmithThat figure comes from the U.S. Census Bureau so it's fairly general and not necessarily current. Actually, the Kansas City rental market is on fire right now. Forbes ranked Kansas City as having the 4th highest rental rate increase in the nation at 8%. We sell turn keys in KC and are having absolutely no problem getting tenants, even in these typically slow winter months.