The second place seemed to be much better but then while I was walking around looking my wife saw two instances of drug activity in the area.I would really love to purchase out of state if I could reduce the risk as much as possible up front.

I doubt that they have money to dispose, unless it is drug money they need to clean.

You'd have to be dealing drugs on the corner to get into a transaction that carries a perceived greater harm to the public.Slick talkers that convince someone to pay significantly more for a property than it's really worth is stealing by deceit, it's not clever negotiation it's theft of future equity.

Upfront payments is usually the MO of drug dealers and those who don't want to comply with the other rules of your lease.The hardest evictions are for items not related to rent payment, ask any eviction attorney.

He probably thought I was a drug dealer.

I'm told just around the corner there is quite a bit of drug activity and police are often on patrol in the area. 

Trulia's crime rating says lowest and has two drug related crimes reported near that area but that's it.   

Sure, people get shot occasionally but it's mostly because of a drug-deal gone bad or because someone stole $5.

I've had doors kicked in, drug trafficking, a beaten tenant, $400 leaky faucet repair bills, etc etc..... and that was with a good property, in a good area, with a good property manager....No matter what is said on any forums, for now, I've narrowed my view down to this......My wealth needs to come from about 50% stocks and 50% REI. 

We also hired a retired police officer to harass drug dealers.