@Account Closed - Since your in the process of re-evaluating things, here are some notes from a podcast I listened to recently that I think might help. In the Biggerpockets Podcast #279 - Andrew Cushman shared some ways he analyzes deals.
1) Buy in an area where median income is 35K or higher
- city-data.com
- richblockspoorblocks.com
2) Poverty level is less that 15%
3) Property is not in a flood zone
- Use FEMA website - pull flood zone map
4) Property is in a low crime area
- Use Trulia.com crime map as an initial screen
- He doesn't buy anything less than low crime
- If considering buying, go to local police department and inquire about the area.
5) Above average population growth
- USA.com
- Stay away from negative population growth
- Town should exceed the national growth average - this is a good sign.
From the sound of things, the shootout in particular, it appears as though this property may be in a high crime area. An online crime investigation + visiting the local PD may help either clear up the concern or shed light on a potential issue.
Hope these notes help. Best of luck.
