I am very new to real estate investing with low savings so far but I am so mentally ready to get out there and just DO IT! 

The guy comes here with good intentions, nothing less... and you guys with "wounded ego's" from some self-imposed mental story, saturated with insecurity, go into "attack mode."

As far as crime goes,  there have been a few high profile incidents,  the most recent being about 10 years ago when a mentally ill individual who had come up from further south in the state broke into a home and committed a rape/murder against a couple living there, as well as a couple of other incidents of serious violence as well since I have owned in the area.   

Lol I love hearing the "south of Shaw" mentality.

But, as you move forward keep in mind that hoarding in a mental disorder and a protected class.

I also try to send a referral their way too (in a small community, there is a "rub my back and I will run yours" mentality).

I am an investor and come from an abundance mentality.

Unless you have behind the scenes info, the liklihood of a deal here isn't worth the time you're investing trying to figure it all out (unless you're just doing this for mental exercise that is).I suggest you come up with some sort of threshold/prelim test to filter out these type of situations and focus your time on properties that are more profitable and more likely to be sold at the price you need.Time is your most valuable asset.  

Studying for the exam should also provide a mental gear shift while locking down a new job. 

My top 3 for beginner investors, including myself, is figuring out the values you get from your investment, surrounding yourself with the right people (and you decide the definition of "right people") and just have the mentality of getting things done.