Question about Kansas City Area (Independence, MO)

[Joe Adam]

Hey all,

I am new to the real estate investing world, but am excited to announce that I got approved for my FHA loan today and am finally in the process of finding a duplex, with the idea of landlord occupying and renting the other unit.

I live in Kansas City, but have been restricted mainly to the Kansas side (Johnson County). It seems from searching that there are more properties on the Missouri side. I want to stay away from Raytown and Raymore but am interested in seeing if anyone has any experience at all in Independence, MO, whether it be renting, buying, flipping, or just general knowledge of the area and possible tenants for that area or areas I should avoid. I plan to drive around and visit some properties with my realtor, but would really like some advice from the experts.

Thanks in advance!

[Andrew Syrios]

Independence is a fairly big suburb so it's hard to give a quick description. Generally, if you're east of Noland and south of 23rd, it's pretty good. And when you get far east, closer to Blue Springs, it's real nice. The western area is pretty rough, but better than the rough parts of KCMO.