From sprawling warehouse facilities to cutting-edge manufacturing plants, Atlanta beckons with its strategic location, unparalleled infrastructure, and vibrant business landscape.

Even tried craigslist and local paper once.

A lot of multi family can be located in not so good areas.

I would also add that you join your local REIA chapter (Real Estate Investor Association) as it will allow you to network with other STR owners and get more location-specific information. 

I'm also hopeful to get some local cooperation now that he's claiming partnerships with local government. 

Hi Jerrell,  The best option for trying to get a HELOC on a property would be to check with local credit unions. 

Have you tried contacting a local community bank? 

You’d need to check the local laws to see what counts.Tenant Violations: If they’re breaking lease terms—like not paying rent or subletting—you might have grounds to evict.

I am considering getting into this space (looking at some courses), but worried that its too late, and that deep local market knowledge/understanding of buyers/connection with developers etc is required to make this work, which only incumbent/long term investors will have and would be hard for a new entrant starting from scratch to catch-up...is my hypothesis valid in your opinion ?

Leverage equity, explore house hacking, and continue learning through books, podcasts, and local networking to refine your strategy.