I got goosebumps reading your tale, @stormraven73. I agree we should be safe, and first instincts are always a good measuring tool. My story is nothing like yours, but I always think about it before putting myself in a dangerous situation, simply for a shop.
I was visiting a friend in a quaint Maryland town 20 miles outside of Baltimore proper. I was considering completing a route of highly, highly bonused late night gas station shops in Baltimore while in the area. They required only three photos, which could be taken from the car. From internet photos, I gathered the gas stations were not in the best part of town.
A large male friend of mine was looking over my shoulder at the route I had mapped out, and insisted the only way I could accept the route was if he and his Rottweiler join me (said Rottweiler was a big sweetheart, but...). I bought him (the guy, not the dog; she got a cheeseburger) a 6 pack for his trouble, and we had no issues completing the shops. I am forever indebted to said friend and dog. The jobs themselves took only minutes to complete, but we were there just long enough to get multiple drug and sex offers.
I carry Mace on my person, and have 911 queued up on my phone when onsite in sketchy areas. I am 5'2" and no bigger than a minute, but I am loud. Yelling "FIRE" rather than "HELP", if warranted, makes more people come running.
Safety first, safety first, safety first. Grrrrrr....I sound like my Mom.