Frequently Asked Questions

General Investing Strategy

What makes The MO Builder different from other turnkey companies?

Most turnkey companies are marketing firms that sell houses. We are investors who build them. The biggest difference is our alignment of interest. We don't just sell you a house and hand you off to a third-party manager we barely know. We source, renovate, and ensure the property is managed by an affiliated company run by the same principals who built the house. We invest our own capital in the same Kansas City neighborhoods we recommend to you. We don't just flip houses; we re-engineer them to perform for the long term.

Why do you focus on Kansas City?

Kansas City offers a "Goldilocks" balance for investors: high enough rents to generate strong cash flow, but a stable enough economy to provide long-term appreciation. It is not a boom-and-bust market; it is a slow-and-steady wealth builder with a diverse economy and a growing population.

Do you own the properties you sell?

Yes. Unlike "middleman" brokerages that simply market other people's flips, we own, renovate, and hold title to our inventory. This allows us to control the quality of the construction process from start to finish.

What are the risks of investing in Kansas City?

We believe in transparency: Any investment involves risk. Real estate is no different, and it is possible to lose 100% of your investment if a property is not properly managed or maintained. Markets can fluctuate, and unexpected issues can arise. However, we are here to help mitigate those risks. By performing a comprehensive, high-quality renovation upfront, we reduce the risk of expensive CapEx surprises. By ensuring professional, aligned property management, we reduce the risk of vacancy and tenant damage. We cannot eliminate risk entirely, but our process is designed to manage it effectively.

Our Renovation Process

"Fully Renovated" can mean a lot of things. What does it mean to you?

To many flippers, it means new paint and carpet over 70-year-old plumbing. To us, it means replacing the "unsexy" systems that actually cost you money. We strip houses down to their core. We replace Knob & Tube wiring, update electrical panels, install new HVAC systems (often including new ductwork), replace cast-iron plumbing with PVC, and install new roofs. We prioritize the mechanical integrity of the home before we install the granite countertops and ceramic tile.

How do I know the renovation was actually done right?

We don't ask you to take our word for it. We use a 5-Layer Inspection Process:

GC Inspection: The builder checks their work.
Project Manager Audit: Our internal team verifies the scope.
Leasing Walk: Our leasing agents verify cosmetic standards.
Independent 3rd-Party Inspection: We hire an unbiased home inspector to find defects, and we fix them before you close.
The Tenant Test: We ask our new tenants to be "picky" during their first 10 days to catch any small items we might have missed.

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes. Because we are confident in our work, we provide a comprehensive warranty package:

90-Day "Bumper-to-Bumper" Warranty on the entire house.
5-Year Warranty on the Roof.
5-Year Warranty on the Foundation.
Manufacturer Warranties transfer to you for all new appliances and mechanicals.

Property Management & Maintenance

Who manages the property after I buy it?

We ensure your property is in good hands. Management is handled by an affiliated property management company that is run by the same principals who built the house. We believe that handing you off to a disconnected third-party manager is where most turnkey investments fail. By keeping the leadership aligned, we remain accountable for the performance of the asset we sold you.

How do you handle maintenance costs?

This is where we save you significant money compared to the industry standard. Most managers treat maintenance as a profit center, charging you 2-3x the actual cost of a repair plus a "coordination fee." We charge you the actual cost of the repair + a transparent 10% admin fee. Because we have large, dedicated crews working on our renovations, we get labor and materials at wholesale rates. A repair that might cost $300 with a typical PM often costs our clients significantly less, even with the 10% fee included.

What is your philosophy on tenant turnover?

We prioritize Retention over Rent Hikes. Many managers automatically raise rent by 5-10% every year, forcing tenants to leave so they can charge you a new "leasing fee." We believe vacancy is the #1 killer of cash flow. We treat our tenants with respect (including Christmas cards and responsive service!) to keep them staying longer, which keeps your income stream consistent.

The Buying Process

Can I finance these properties?

Absolutely. Because our renovations are so thorough, our properties fly through appraisals and inspections required by conventional lenders. We work with varied lenders who are familiar with our product and can help you secure financing.

Do I need to visit Kansas City to buy?

You are welcome to, but it is not required. The vast majority of our investors are out-of-state (or out-of-country). We provide high-definition video tours, inspection reports, and can provide a detailed scope of work if requested, so you can invest with confidence from your living room.

What if I want to sell the property later?

While real estate is inherently illiquid, we provide options to help you exit when you are ready. Because we renovated the home to retail standards (not just rental standards), we can help you sell the property to other investors within our network, or introduce you to trusted local realtors to list it on the open market.