I learned this the hard way, I went from targeting props near public transportation to targeting MF props with tax liens.

Vibrant musical sceneEqually vibrant start up sceneQuality infrastructureHospitals, schools, a very large supply of KindergartensFavorable rent control policyHigh security in the streetsQuality public transport and airportsSurprisingly good food sceneComparatively low pollution.

If these were my two options, I would pick the area between Adams Village and Ashmont Station in Dorchester because of the location itself and the proximity to downtown Boston, Quincy, and Milton, and the availability of public transportation is also a plus.Depending on your style and needs, this small area has single family homes, great Victorian style houses, condos, apartments, and two and three family units.  

Hi; I generally built in Los Angeles SFV area and I see that many of the developers are putting wall display units (closets) with enclosed glass doors on the new construction homes that list for over $1.8M.They make a great focal point, and they can cost you about $5,000.00 to build one with no cooling system (just a display).I would like to hear your opinion in regards if it is worth the investment.

The area is solid - 5 minute walk from downtown / public transportation so expecting low vacancy risk.

Walk away from that deal, you need 3' wide on each staircase, unless that enclosed area is 6' wide inside, and it does not look like it, you will never pass and will have to rebuild the whole back of the house. to demo the whole thing and build it to code, you are probably looking at least $40,000 - $50,000

First to maximize use of the property take the garage (264 sqft) enclose and vent it to make it one more bedroom which would create a 4/2/0.

Anywhere the light rail runs would be considered a path of development, as there is an obvious need for alternative transportation, which to me means area growth. 

I could also use some help learning about NJ population movement, housing supply, employment, planned public utilities, transportation, etc, if you know of any resources.

@Chris Pung - in Philadelphia, there are two separate taxes that are confusing due to similarity in "common usage" naming, and the real estate tax bill from the City of Philadelphia has an enclosed FAQ that covers this.