Should I be messing with properties in medium or high crime areas?

[Dominic Lobban]

Many of the wholesale deals and distressed properties that I come across in Columbus, OH are in areas with medium to high crime.

I am hesitant to do anything with these properties because I don't know how to take advantage of them. I am really not interested in dealing with tenants or rentals. 

I will consider wholesaling and rehabbing but as long as I know it will pay off. Also, I'm a new investor and haven't done my first deal yet.

How should I approach these properties to make them profitable without dealing with rentals?

Should I even be considering them?

[Stephen Short]

There's still really good margins in Columbus.  The demographics support it.  Low unemployment, above average median income, increasing population in Franklin county, Capitol of Ohio, Ohio State, top rated hospitals etc.

Many people are being priced out of the nicer areas and going to Franklinton and Near east side