Protection required
I am a hybrid builder and dueller, building up my own town whilst also going on duelling tours. My adventurer class seems best for this, giving me extra cash and equipment bonuses useful for funding the construction and making it easier, as well as long distance travel and good hotel rooms costing me nothing. The most money I have made from a duel is when someone attacked me, probably expecting I wouldn't be able to defend myself.
This game seems like a good simulation to me. If you have become a specialist builder and are not skilled at fighting then you will have to work hard to protect your money in other ways. It is a dangerous world, and a challenge to succeed - it would not be fun or a good simulation if it were easy.
I agree having to chase people might be better, but going to their town to attack them is also good.
If evil bandits are continually robbing you and you don't want to fight then you will need others in your town to protect you. You may not be able to put them in jail, but if your local Sheriff and deputies are continually attacking them then it will be more like putting them on a chain gang. Rather than not being able to do anything they will work hard all day and get virtually nothing back for it.
Or perhaps some wandering ace gunslinger will come and paint your town red and take care of the attackers for you. You can only hope!