How Do You Assess What Would Work In A Small Town?

[Gary Kurtz]

I live in a small (8000 population) an hour and a half south of KC. We are the county seat and the population of the county is about 25k. In my opinion the town is not as health economically as what it was even 5 years ago. I can drive around town and see many houses for rent that you didn't used to see at all. My question is this: How do you assess if there is any viable way to invest here in this town as opposed to driving an hour to an hour and a half to a much larger metropolitan area that we know little about? We live an hour and a half from Springfield, MO an hour north of Joplin as well. Any thoughts would sure be appreciated!