I would also check with the economic development council that is affiliated with the local chamber of commerce for names of active local developers. 

Join your local Chamber of Commerce, The Rotary Club and just go where people that have money hang-out.  

On the scary side, one of the big local employers is *possibly* leaving the area, but chamber of commerce says there's another big company *possibly* in negotiations to come into the town.

I was hoping that this type of data would be obtainable somewhere within the city, maybe the tax assessor's office, chamber of commerce?

Also, check in with your local planning department, chamber of commerce, or economic development office to find out about target improvement areas.

Biggest resource to find out what’s going on is to visit your local chamber of commerce. 

Even their C-level suite is very accessible via Chamber of Commerce events.  

Check with the local chamber commerce, they are often very chatty (read bored) and will tell you all about what is happening and not happening in their town / district.

Talk to the a Chamber of Commerce and a building official before you just start buying.  

Keela Chambers,Research research research.