I'm pulling up neighborhood scout and looking at crime rates.

Check out, neighborhood scout.

I've done quite a bit of scouting on Branson, but I don't know the market yet. 

For an investment of this size/magnitude, I would want more information that Google/BP Users/Theory can provide.To other's points, if this isn't a student area, you can scout out and identify where the student areas are. 

I'm going up there this weekend to scout out the area and learn the markets that fit my criteria.

I am heading back to Chattanooga in August to do more scouting. 

A great thing about STR is you can scout other properties thru Airbnb/VRBO pretty easily by just looking at their pictures and calendars to get a rough idea on what you can do to update your property and what that might result in from a revenue standpoint.

I'm in the same boat as you scouting out the red hot western suburbs. 

Never invest in any city on Neighborhood Scouts' list of the 100 most dangerous US cities.High operating costs - Every penny you lose to taxes and insurance decreases your rental income.

Do not invest in any city on Neighborhood Scouts’ list of the 100 most dangerous US cities.If you would like a complete list of location selection requirements, let me know.Property SelectionThe reliability of your income depends upon having a reliable tenant continuously occupy your property.