The shortest answer is: examine everything you pay for from the perspective "would I have paid for it if I was not an investor?"

Forgive me in advance as I'd imagine this question has been asked and answered before, couldn't find it myself.What is the best website for researching cities, neighborhoods, average income, crime stats, average rents, etc. 

Depending upon what the zoning would allow, do a deep dive into the surrounding area and examine what would be competing properties.

Atlanta Regional Commision  --> atlantaregional.orgAtlanta Beltline --> beltline.orgTrulia - for crime stats once you've targeted a couple of neighborhoodsDepending on the type of properties you seek, Metro Atlanta has a wide array of options.  

Nothing beats actually seeing with your own eyes vs reading some stat that means nothing.   

I realize this is a very beginner question, but surprisingly I haven't been able to find a good answer with the guides and videos.What actually constitutes good stats on a property?

Stat.

The former requires examination of financials and the latter requires involvement of a real estate lawyer.

I am planning bring local handyman with next time to examine property with me to get proper estimates.

I'm starting to take courses for the real estate license examination, for knowledge, but I am not entirely interested in exactly being an agent.