I think, in a major metro area, you'll be overwhelmed with scammers and drug addicts.

This could be a drug/alcohol rehab or a physical rehab facility.

You get the picture.One of the tenants died of drug O.D.

The other was a slumlord/drug zone area so no one wanted to rent the property.

I spoke to a local real estate attorney about doing an option, and his analysis was that options aren't allowed in this state - colorado - as you are considered an "options dealer" and must be a real estate agent to do options.

My antique dealer was on vacation and it seemed legit.

From my recollection things can change from block to block there - If you want to avoid a bad situation drive around on a weekend in the afternoon - Sunday on a nice day - see if families are milling about or a bunch of WT dirtbags or drug addicts living in rentals the other landlords dont care about up and down the block.Or go for a walk in the evenings with your dog and simply walk the sidewalks and take it all in.   

I’m new to the area and looking for places with lower crime and drugs for the city, all help is appreciated.

In the Chicagoland area.Does anyone know a great wholesale dealer?

Like unsophisticated buyers that walk into a car dealer and ask "what kind of payment on that new hupmobile" these people are PAYMENT buyers.