My folks lived in Primotapia for a decade ending two years ago. I never even once had an issue going down there. I’ve driven to Cabo, though admittedly that was in 90 and I’ve driven to Guerrero Negro twice in the last decade. Never had an issue. Crime is higher in Mexico, no doubt, but there is just way to much fear mongering.
As to investment and looking south. I lived in Medellin Colombia last year for a few months and would highly recommend it. It’s peaceful, pleasant year round climate and only 3 hours from Miami by plane. It’s economy is growing and they don’t hate gringos even though our money fueled their civil war.