These areas seem to offer affordable prices for me as an amateur investor but I just want to make sure I'm not wasting valuable time analyzing an area that's largely stagnant.

If you don’t run the numbers before seeing the house you’re wasting time.

It gets you started, because you won't want to waste that credit inquiry and go through the work, only to never submit an offer on something, and secondly, you will have one less barrier in your way when you DO see something that you want to place an offer on.

I'd be interested to know where the drain/waste/vent stack from the 2nd floor comes down to.

Cookie-cutter homes without basements, a feature that not only cut costs but could be built faster.

If you could cut them in half you’d go from $315/year to over $3,000. 

My wife and I were ready to walk away, but didn't want to waste a trip.

In the current market in Atlanta I think you're gonna have a tough time finding a cash-flowing property if you're living in a room unless you have money for a big down-payment, but it might be worth it if it's at least cutting down your monthly housing expense.

Verbal ok from a county/city employee doesn’t cut it 

Stick with the real estate industry. 4 years practicing that will serve you much better than wasting 4 years in dance studies!