Kansas City Kansas or Kansas City Missouri?

[Jason Bancroft]

My partner and I have just moved back from Australia, we only have one flip under our belt which was 2 yrs ago in Kansas.

We would like to get straight back to it but firstly need to decide exactly where. KCK or KCMO??

Our previous flip was in Leavenworth because it just sort of fell into our lap.

I’m considering Leavenworth 66048 or the Bethel area 66104. I’ve looked at a lot of areas in KCMO but don’t know it very well.

Budget is all cash $80k purchase and rehab. Our first rehab was a major rehab, ideally not looking for one requiring so much work.

Advice on areas, KCK or KCMO, risk? Margins? Pros and cons? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[Jess Betts]

There are pros and cons to both areas.  I think KCK is great for rentals (smaller houses, more affordable, good tenants, quiet neighborhoods, etc.) 

KCMO is better for flips.  There are more higher-end historical homes that are central to downtown, Westport, Plaza, etc. and higher property values.  The downside to rentals in KCMO is that you have to deal with Jackson County property taxes, Happy Homes Inspections, registering your property with the city and that it is slowly shifting to be less investor-friendly. 

Considering your budget and your goals I would suggest looking in either in KCK and marketing your property to landlords, or looking in KCMO north of the river. There is a very high demand north of the river for homes with an ARV under $200k for first time home buyers. If you need help finding a deal, I look in that area every day and I would be happy to help.