Lawton definitely has its reputation, and you're right about the single-industry concern and the high crime perception, which makes it counterintuitive for many investors.

For small projects and so for the vast majority of sophisticated investors, the DLT is years away.

It would be overwhelming to pay for advanced training in a high-performance, sophisticated, multi-engine fighter jet when you're still trying to land the airplane safely.

They will sell and perceptions will change!

They have ways now to know where the oil is under the ground that are more sophisticated than random wildcat drilling.

Outside of that, I dont naturally feel I'm in danger because I have an accurate and grounded perception of what the situation actually is. 

When you first start out you will likely be less sophisticated regarding deals that you will actually pursue so my best advice is to not become a tire kicker who looks at everything and then never closes deals.

on investor loans I get that its caveot emptor with sophisticated borrowers who have money.

There is no such thing as a "guarantee" only the perception of.if it's a concern in your offer, find out what it would cost to carry a bond or insurance product for the seller. 

The worst thing is that states and municipalities are using wildly inflated data that AirDNA and their ilk are pitching to create more and more restrictive zoning laws based on the perception of windfall host profits, further creating challenges to supporting our mortgages in a region with an already long 4-6 month shoulder season.