Smaller 3/2 homes can be had for $400-$500k in Windy Hill and Crescent Beach, and there's some options worth considering down in Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach. 

Just make sure you're nowhere near Memphis.Columbia, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill are good choices.

We love our current home and would love to keep it if we can.Find a (silent) partner to help fund some of the DP.

Prices are going to be a bit higher on the NW side of the metro near high end areas like Quail Creek and Nichols Hills.

Quote from @Michael Hill: This is good stuff !

I agree with the others stay away from the hilltop unless you get into a sweet spot like Westgate or Holly Hill.

Take a look at this property:https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1409-N-Hill-Ave-Pasadena-...

For example, I look at places like The Cliffs at Hocking Hills (I live in Ohio, so this state park is one of the bigger tourist areas).  

(under Business License tab)They said I need to pay the KCMO profit tax initially, however, after my telling them that I am not a resident, and my long term rental is fully managed by a property manager, therefore my LLC or myself is fully passive in this regard, now they (KCMO revenue department) become silent on  whether I should pay KCMO profit tax. 

If you're looking for good Morning Meet Ups to meet other investors, here's a couple.Tuesday 8AM - Jonathans Restaurant Matthews, NCWednesday 8:30AM Rock Hill Diner Rock Hill, SC (We Host this Group)We practice the BRRRR method and have a full team.