The whole point of local is a hand-off you don't have to worry about. A few simple habits keep it that way.
A cafe, a shopping centre, a library forecourt — somewhere with people around and a bit of light. Skip private addresses for anything valuable, for your sake and theirs.
Meet in daylight where you can, and if it's a big or pricey item, bring someone with you. Two people and a public spot takes the worry out of it entirely.
Look it over and, if it's electronic, switch it on before any money changes hands. Both of you knowing the item works is what makes the handshake clean.
If something feels off, you're allowed to walk away — no deal is worth a bad feeling. There's always another listing, and the right one is usually just around the corner.