Also, any major blemishes need to be addressed.

In my 40 years plus in this business I have one blemish and that was when my securities attorney told me I was fine.. and the State said I was not.. they argued .. and unless I wanted to spend 100 to 200k going to law review court..

Most importantly, a blemished credit score hurt much less in the interview/hiring process for my line of work than possible legal repercussions of doing things wrong.

Prior behaviour really does predict future..maybe they are breaking pattern, but i encourage you to  look for other applicants w less-blemished history, they are here (i'm in atl too)3.  

Since then, I haven't had a blemish on my credit what so ever. 

Are some blemishes ok ?

Sometimes they get new, factory-blemished items, scratch and dent appliances or "oops" paint.Alibaba.com or any Chinese supplier can provide inexpensive flat-pack (ready-to-assemble) cabinets for good prices, but you will wait weeks or months to get the products and if one thing is damaged or incorrect, you will wait weeks or months again.

This other 1/3rd are properties that have blemishes or their owners believe that their house is "not as good" as the neighbors.

Many people hide their blemishes.  

I bought a house that was marked as having these issues, which means it usually goes for 15-20% less than market value, which is fantastic for investors, as the rent it brings in is the same as non blemished houses.