Would you rather buy a rental in Kansas City or Indianapolis?

[Rohan J.]

I'm a fairly novice investor from Los Angeles, and am really looking out-of-state to build my portfolio (since rental properties don't make sense here in southern Cali). 

I've read quite a bit online and am now debating between two areas: Kansas City, MO or Indianapolis, IN.

Would love to hear what investors think of the pros & cons of each area? Looking to build my portfolio in one of the areas and have it managed by a single PM, so this is naturally a large decision. Also, I'm sure there are things I'm not thinking through here in Cali about laws/rules for rentals in those states. 

Would love to hear from BP investors about deals found in either area. What did you learn that you did not know before? How is your COC return?

[David Faulkner]

Neither, especially if I'm living in SoCal (which I am, like you). Otherwise, if I'm living in KC, then it is KC. If I'm living in Indy, then it is Indy. Don't over estimate your home court advantage or underestimate your out of state disadvantages as I see most newbies do (myself included back in the day). I've owned buy and hold property both in state and out of state for the last nearly 15 years, so I have a fairly long history of personal experience both ways and have nothing to sell you either way.