There isn't any scientific study or stats that I know of.Merely pointing out the observation of my wife and I as we have been looking at properties over the last 4-5 years. 

Originally posted by @Christopher Derr:All I think when I hear Maryland is Baltimore and thats scary to someone who lives in an area that might see 2-3 murders a year for a 50k population in the 8-9 small towns in my area.I have relatives not too far from your location - down in and around Fort Dodge - and you're correct, the ghettos in Baltimore are quite different than those I've seen in IA.

Hello,My brother and I recently purchased our first single family home rental property in Des Moines. I am starting to build a quick-list of trusted/recommended plumbers, electricians, etc. in the Des Moines area that...

Hello BP community, my name is Chris Jensen from Bettendorf, IA.  

Figuring I knew what I was doing, I purchased a 3-plex in Waterloo, Iowa.

I'm now in the process of purchasing my first rental, a six-unit building in Iowa.  

If there are any moral issues at all it is on the part of tenants withholding rent money and the government regulations encouraging the behaviour.I have no moral issue regarding how I, as a landlord, treat a non paying tenant.

Best of luck from another small town Iowa guy!

So, after almost a month as a member, I am getting around to my first forum post.My name is Lucas and I live in a small town in Iowa.  

I, as the buyer, usually always provide the contract if I am buying as-is.