I received word back from a credible source in the industry and they said this wasn't really close right now.  

Wondering if there are locals or landlords who could describe the community, job market, and rental industry. 

Where is that part of the industry going? 

Lending is a highly regulated industry and most things are cut and dry with what they can and cannot do.

The trades/building industry or property management will be of the greatest value to you in regards to real estate investing.

So I've read a few real estate book, I'm no pro and yet obviously, and the advise I get from people in the industry hasn't been 100% true. 

I've heard about the carpet industry growing in Dalton, but wanted to see if there's other places I can look into around Georgia.

The tier system takes into account: Average unemployment rateMedian household incomePercentage growth in populationAdjusted property tax base per capitaPoverty level, age of housing stock, proximity to adjacent county employment, employment sector concentration, at risk industries, ... these data points are not part of the tier ranking algorithm.

Work in some capacity in the industry?

My name is Alex Khodnev, I am an Industrial engeneer from Israel.