Street Smart safety tips? (Chicago: rentals, home equity, houses)

[BigV]

OK, I'm considering purchasing a few rentals in the not so rich neighborhoods of Chicago and was wondering about the safety tips.

I understand that I should not be buying on the blocks where there are 2+ boarded up houses. That's a given, so my plan will be to only look in the areas where homes are taken care of (i.e there is grass on the front lawn, max 1 boarded up house on the block).

But, while I evaluate the area(s) for potential, there is a chance that I will be in a tight situation.. What are some safety tips when walking some of these areas? I'm looking for legal ways (so concealed weapons permit is out of the question). Thanks to all in advance.

[NYrules]

Originally Posted by BigV

OK, I'm considering purchasing a few rentals in the not so rich neighborhoods of Chicago and was wondering about the safety tips.

I understand that I should not be buying on the blocks where there are 2+ boarded up houses. That's a given, so my plan will be to only look in the areas where homes are taken care of (i.e there is grass on the front lawn, max 1 boarded up house on the block).

But, while I evaluate the area(s) for potential, there is a chance that I will be in a tight situation.. What are some safety tips when walking some of these areas? I'm looking for legal ways (so concealed weapons permit is out of the question). Thanks to all in advance.

Carry mace/pepper spray with you??? Bring a big dog with you like a Rottweiler or Doberman. Thugs tend to not like dogs too much as they don't like to get bit. Stay in well lit areas. If you see dark streets where all the lights are out, call 311 and report it. City of Chicago is really good about fixing burned out street lights and then maybe venture down there after they've been fixed which is usually about a week. Next if you don't feel like scoping the area out after dark, then don't. duh lol. I know common sense there right? lol

Now as for areas that need some TLC. Usually the problem is that the city doesn't know "which fire to put out first" so to say, so if you see things like an area you believe has potential and see things like garbage in vacant lots, burned out street lights, weeds that need to be cut down, trees that need to be trimmed up to make the area more appealing and also visable to police, seriously don't feel afraid to call 311 and report every little thing you see. I have had nothing but good experiences in dealing with City of Chicago and usually the city has been pretty prompt in addressing any problem I've reported. You can also use this form to report problems to help clean your potential neighborhood up of which will make the entire area more appealing thus yeilding higher profits through home equity. https://servicerequest.cityofchicago...hic/Controller

[cohdane]

I've spent some time walking around in truly lousy/scary/dangerous neighborhoods in my time. The first thing to ask yourself is do you look like a local? If not, proceed to the following steps. If you can't pull them off, reconsider walking around in these neighborhoods.

1. Don't look nervous.
2. Look like you own the place and know EXACTLY where you're going.
3. See #2-- DON'T look like you're wandering or just looking around.
4. Don't totally ignore (cringe away from) people you pass on the street.
5. Keep your peripheral vision on anyone who's watching you.
6. Be friendly to the older folks.
7. When you drive into the neighborhood, if you have an option of a curbside lane or a center lane, stay in the center lane.
8. At stoplights, leave enough room between your car and the car in front of you to maneuver around the car in front of you if you need to get out of there fast.
9. You are allowed to break traffic rules if you think you're in imminent danger.

That's about all I can remember right now. The thing to keep in mind is the VAST MAJORITY of people in these neighborhoods are solid and law-abiding. If you get into trouble, they will help (but not talk to the police). Also, the crooks are just trying to make a living, so if you encounter one, keep that in mind and keep the "transaction" simple for them. Don't be disrespectful, you're not on your turf.

#1 and #2 are the most important. Lots of people will assume you work for social services or are a cop or some other such person. If you want to enhance this perception, carry a clipboard-- just kidding.

Good luck. Be safe. Try not to be too freaked out.

[At1WithNature]

don't look at anybody funny, if you look at them, don't look at them for more than a few seconds. in the not so hot areas, there are a lot of people with drug problems and mental illnesses so you will get crazies thinking you are giving them the "evil eye."

walk with your chin up and with a purpose. don't carry an attitude that you are better than anybody else but just walk like you know exactly what you are doing and where you are going.

don't show signs of weakness. whether this be looking down at the ground while you are walking by some questionable characters or whether you are constantly looking back behind you. just walk with a purpose and don't dog it. walk with authority. it's about disposition. remember 80% of communication is non-verbal aka body language. so concentrate on that and you should be fine.