I have also contemplated shooting pics of the wilder areas of my town with similar reluctance.
What do you think of this idea: Tell me your story, I want to make your life struggle and dreams important on the internet. Always show photo subjects their pictures with offer to delete immediately.
For properties, snap and go!!!
Its definitely an interesting idea and how photos and art is looked at nowadays is very broadened. And usually some areas of cities are overlooked for ideas.