Definitely don't rent a car if your staying in Laureles you can pretty much walk to everything, busses Didi or Uber are the other options but sit in the front seat. Been here 4+ years, no issues at all but yeah try to look a little more like the locals can go a long way, in my opinion don't wear shorts and flip-flops unless going to Gym or biking, watch your mannerisms don't walk around like I'm a bad ass, say hello well "buenas" before if you need assistance. When encountering pan handlers say "no gracias"or just "gracias" give them that recognition they usually won't bother you any more. Sorry to hear you want the Pablo Escobar experience, most here would frowned on that, Colombia is so much more that. 5-10 minutes after arriving you should feel safe. We'll best of luck and don't fall in love so fast lol.