However, with the increase of violence target at Craigslist posters in my area, I could see some fool mistaking me (landlord) as an easy target. 

Depending on your area and how expensive real estate is, use that 50k and set up a marketing campaign for 6 months, I suggest targeting multifamily, cash flow is the way to wealth, whether it be $500 a month or $1000 a month, take the remaining money and use that as a down payment on a multifamily property, I would shoot for a 4plex.

You then work it a little bit to make sure your target area is covered and bubbles are worked out.

He's doing quite well.If you want to keep growing today, you need to be opening to expanding your target markets a bit, or yes, you might be sitting on the sidelines.  

Let's assume target tenant is middle to upper middle class..

My question is, is if I'm targeting pre-foreclosure or absentee owners, do you feel I should make this commercial have a comedic vibe to it or make it serious/normal?

While someone like Brian Gibbons seldom posts in the marketplace his target market isn't really the pros but newer members and they can't ask a question.Stricter rules perhaps about posting an ad without a pro+ membership could be policed by the community as well as the moderators.

You need to be informed and familiar with your target market.

@Harden Barkley You are right on target.  

If you need to live off some of the cash flow now, the minimum I would target with a private lender loan of 8-9% is $200/month after PITI, modest vacancies and repairs.