The lender at my bank also said he’s starting to see more money being invested in that area and I feel there is a lot of room for growth in that city.Chelsea is a rougher area but flanked by a budding East Boston and a new casino in Medford where people with a lot more money than me are investing in.

I feel like I'm missing out on some popular search phrases that would be beneficial. 

I know it is popular right now to buy in low cost neighborhoods in the midwest, but that isn't for me.

I also found an article noting some of the newer activities to enjoy near the area, such as a new casino, breweries, hiking and camping, and more with only about a 2 hour drive from NYC. 

This is a very popular area with year round tourist demand and amazing beaches.

Does anyone have a great list they have used, one that is not so known and popular, to reach absentee, tired landlords, or mult-family owners?

I myself have looked for places to rent through this medium.Here is one of the popular ones: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1156157594441590/

So much so that neighborhoods adjacent to our "hot areas" have become very popular areas to invest, as well, so new neighborhoods continue to draw attention.

You might make the most popular push a single family rentals and they are just too risky. 

It is unlikely you will be at 1% or any of the other popular measures.