Violent crime is down.

Perhaps someone else can do a better job of explaining...Oh, and when I say "C+" area, I mean an area that is probably mostly blue collar, has average schools, has relatively low crime (or at least low violent crime), established neighborhoods with older housing stock, relatively large number of renters, plenty of public transportation, etc.

Beaches, warm weather, tropical breezes, but violent crime is pretty high.

We are not accepting any applicants with evictions or violent convictions.

Add on the fact that you are buying sight unseen and now have to deal with a potentially crazy/violent/sue happy occupant.How are you supposed to protect your interests?

I am an officer in an affluent town and have noticed this uptick violent crime even in these areas. 

Others are struggling with violent crime and people are doing what they can to avoid the violence.  

It all exploded this morning with a violent disturbance, front door kicked in, and tenant's guest threatened one of the other roommates with a knife.

I am also glad you used the word "potential" in the standard real estate way.For everyone that does not know, this area has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the country. 

The obvious downside to this scenario is that the tenant could become violent and you need to take proper precautions (like taking along a friend).Again, I don't know that this technique is warranted for this tenant - they just don't seem this bad to me.