Without knowing your budget, what you consider safe\risk tolerance, how far you are willing to travel, asset type, your level of living expectations, lifestyle, local neighborhood expectations, the tenants\roommates you want to attract, and other criteria, it's hard to recommend an area.Your Class A, B, or C asset type class expectations versus another's view maybe totally different.  

My question is this: How does one find another city to invest in that is somewhat safe?  

@Barry Ruby, you are exactly right that only FEMA isn't keeping there "flood risk" current (likely more people and properties are exposed to risk, however only the smart carry flood insurance. 90 percent of those flooded in both Harvey and Florance didn't have flood coverage because they thought they were safe since they were not required to carry flood insurance by their lender Cost of flood insurance for areas that are not required can be as low as $62.50 a month maybe even lower.

Not closing is selling only a contract which is an assignment. 2 different selling techniques - 1 deals with the contract, 1 deals with the property. 

In all seriousness, I think white is a very safe color for kitchen cabinets.  

You should have liability coverage in the 1M - 2M range and require your tenants to have 1M liability as well.As long as you operate a safe business environment and properly maintain your properties there should be no issues.

This may help you feel safe with a rent to own and could help them save for their down payment. 

Her parents seem very engaged in finding her a safe place to live. 

You can dive right into this market fairly cheap and generally make safe bets here.

I just always believed that everyone needs a home, maybe not the fanciest or ritziest area, but a solid, safe, livable, and clean place to call home.