Forget PayPal on large transactions, cash, escrow or direct transfer. Here in Canada we can use Interact e-transfer (from their bank direct to your bank, no account number needed (just an email and your bank(s) supported) as it is done through them), not sure if you have this option in the US or something similar.
Any checks would also require a hold until they clear.
It is a sad world we live in when you have to use these measures - different if you know the person.