Hi Daniel! It's great to see that you're considering investing in real estate in the Northeast Philly area.
In the Northeast Philly area, it's quite common for tenants to pay for their own utilities, especially in multi-family properties. For you it can be a good thing because it can help reduce expenses and increase cash flow, which every investor wants. Property taxes in the Philly area are generally lower than those in NJ, which can be a significant advantage for investors.The CoC return you mentioned sounds reasonable, assuming that you have accurately factored in all expenses.
As for your concern about living 1-1.5 hours away from your investment property, it's not uncommon for investors to own properties that are located out of state. Having a reliable team of local professionals such as a property manager, handyman, and contractor is crucial. It's great that you've already made a connection with a realtor in the area who's willing to share his network with you.
Just be sure to do your due diligence and work with experienced professionals to help reduce risks. Good luck with your investment journey!