House hacking in Kansas City - good or bad idea?

[Yoselin Pearce]

Hi there!

I'm a new investor looking to buy my first MFR by the end of this year (woohoo!). The goal is to find a property with great cash flow and house hack it. Because I currently live in California (expensive, not landlord-friendly, etc.), I will be moving to another state that offers lower purchase prices (my max is around $450k). I've been looking all across the country and one of the markets I'd like to learn a little more about is Kansas City, MO.

From an investment standpoint, what would you say are the pros and cons of Kansas City? And do you have any areas you'd recommend I look at? What about areas you'd recommend I stay away from?

I'm also open to hearing any other market recommendations. Other areas I've been looking are Louisville, Cincinnati, and Chattanooga, but as mentioned, I can move anywhere, so the entire country is my oyster. 

Thanks so much!