Investing in independence missouri

Hi all. I am new to the independence missouri area and am just starting to invest here. I have one duplex and a second under contract. I am learning more about the area But would love other’s insights into best places in the independence area to invest. A contractor who was doing a walkthrough for me on a property noted independence was getting worse over the years in terms of crime and tenant base. Hopefully just in specific pockets and not where I am investing but would love to hear other’s insight into this who are more familiar with the area.