Well, come on down!

First of all, I would recommend that you post this same question on the professional forum.. Those folks will have a much better idea of the 'rough & tumble' ins and outs of this business. And then I would search all of the wholesale growers in the region you are looking for. There is always room for specialty plants in the niche.

I also have an opinion about starting a nursery. I think that you almost have to get a sponsor to help with the purchase of land and all of the capital you need to get started. Either that or buy one that someone is selling with an established customer base.

It can be a great business, but it is 2nd in line after dairy farming for demanding your personal time 24/7.

How old and rich are you kid? I have a hort degree(NC State 1980)and live in the ATL area. You will not find a job within 100 miles of the city growing things. I bought my land 23 years ago and the appraisal has increased 500% since then. Plants that are sold here are grown in Alabama or south of Macon(70 miles south of the ATL airport). If you know a building contractor you can get started landscaping new homes. If your friends know rich people you may get a lawn care business started. If you want to grow things, look south down the interstate until you find land you can afford.

Have you read Tony Avant's (owner of Plant Delights)book? The title is something like "So You Want to Start a Nursery".
There are many major growers in the South like Parks, Wayside, Woodlanders and Ashdown Roses in SC; Monrovia has an operation in GA and, of course, Plant Delights in NC, and many more.
Do you subscribe to "The American Nurseyman" or can you read it at the library? There are numerous opportunities and contacts within it's pages.
Good Luck