Crime reports in areas

[Ben M.]

Are there any buy and hold investors in Houston who own homes in the 120-140k range and are having success with getting the property managed and rented out? Are homes in this price range considered to be more of a crime prone area? When I check crimereports.com they usually seem to have shaded crime activity... Not sure if staying in this price range may result in issues such as dealing with uncooperative tenants.

[Doug McLeod]

In outlying areas those values correlate with age and build quality, but not necessarily higher crime.  Closer in it seems to depend on proximity to certain high traffic commercial areas that attract criminal activity and nearby apartments where tenants are not screened as well and security/visiting rules enforced.   

I have properties in that value range in 3 areas (previously 4) around town - mostly outside the Beltway. Not high crime, but still hard to find qualified tenants sometimes.  Screen carefully.