All positive stuff..... the addition of some higher end apartments for the occasional Brooklyn or Beacon transport isn't the end of the world.  

One of our other older properties has a larger one installed/enclosed in an existing fireplace.

To get around, we may own an older vehicle or take public transportation.

High quality renters, as well as potential buyers, will continue to be priced out of the downtown Boston/Cambridge/Somerville markets, and this should drive solid price appreciation in Malden as folks flock here as a relatively inexpensive place to live where you can still work downtown and take public transportation. 

If this area is unheated and does need to be heated (not an enclosed porch for which I don't think heat other than space heater would be necessary), I agree that it could be an good option.Thank you again for the direction that you pointed!

We're probably looking at low income neighborhoods on fairly busy streets and/or near public transportation.

If it works well its easy to duplicate, also in the long run when its time to amass all of your units into a trailer park, or make one mega home, whatever you wanted to do with them.. you could throw them on a train to transport your unit and ride in it to.

Ours is a FVIR type water heater with enclosed ignition chamber.

I really like this area's promise due in part to the excellent transportation system, job accessibility, new retailers and the numerous schools.  

Is it close to public transportation where parking isn't necessary for a commute?