The area is lower income/rougher but I don't consider it dangerous.

it is not recommended and considered more dangerous to cross tape windows.

That's dangerous.1)Get it from looking up other going rate rents online for rentals comparable to yours online2) call the agent your using the MLS and get real comps3) google local property managers and get their opinion.

My real estate agent told me that Onslow County has a moratorium on new mobile homes (which would explain the explosion in RV parks).

Also, I cant rent a home out knowing the house next door posses a direct danger. 

I'm reading that part of the proposed tax reform is to eliminate 1031's.  http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/06/13/103...Anyone know more about this?  How likely do we think this is?

Another good think to do is google "dangerous neighborhoods in (city name)" and see what pops up as bad areas. 

Thanks for talking about the dangers of considering only appreciation.

Crime - it's the lower case crime and not bad/dangerous

I have also seen landlords take the deposit for rent, which can be dangerous to you, because on move-out the tenant may expect the money.Looking at the leases is a good starting point, but I would also request an estoppel from each tenant.