St. Joseph, MO

[Alicia Villatoro]

Hello,  I'm looking to purchase a rental property in St. Joseph but I'm out of the state.  What is the best way to do all my due diligence the correct way.  Are there any investors that can recommend contractors out there?  I've tried some on Angies list but no luck.  I'm about to give my ernest money just to put it under contract.  What is a fair amount out there? 

[Ashton Noland]

Hello Alicia!

I am a fellow investor in all of NW Missouri and NE Kansas but am located here in St. Joseph. If you're looking for a great, flexible contractor, contact Eric Van Cleave at Van Cleave Construction. They are a well-established company and Eric is a young owner who is highly motivated and easy to work with. Their website is www.vancleaveconst.com and their phone number is on the website. Call and ask for Eric and let me him know that Ashton Noland referred you to him.

As for the earnest money, I typically give $500. Title companies here in St. Joe are very laid back and are only worried about the bottom line. However, if you are working with a seller who is working with an attorney (ie probates, foreclosures, etc), I would recommend upping the earnest amount to $1,000 or 1% of the deal amount.

If you're looking for a title company here in St. Joe, use Saint Joseph Title--they are absolutely the best! Their website is www.stjoetitle.com and their phone number is also on their website. If you call them, ask for Jennifer Brown, Co-Owner and tell her I referred you as well. She's awesome!

If you need help on any other questions about the NW Missouri and/or NE Kansas market, don't hesitate to ask :)