Joe Boston at Dallas REIG is doing this exact method of investing for his members, you should attend their meet up. 

A strong indicator for future appreciation is proximity to public transit so not only is it an easy commute to center city, being close to a huge transportation hub like 30th street station can only help a long term investment in my opinion.

Heading the other way you can check out the Boston Area REIA in Medford and I highly recommend trying to get to the Black Diamond meeting in Waltham (2nd location in Worcester).  

Tenant quality will depend on the neighborhood, proximity to transportation, highways, schools, food, shopping, etc, and quality of rehab workmanship.

Mildford and Hamden are very quiet places and limited to transportation ( you must have a car!)

Going the other way my personal favorite is the Black Diamond meeting in Waltham (They alternate every other month with their Worcester location, next Waltham meeting is in May) and you can also check out the Boston Area REIA in Medford which would be a quick shot down 93 for you.

I won't be moving too far away, anyway, since the idea is to be closer to my family in Boston.

I've focused some attention on land/home deals, parks, and starting a transportation business for the homes, and it occurs to me that yes these other businesses are services (and produce income) they don't help on such a micro level so to speak.

Chootar Laal, you're in Boston, MA.

I could agree with that, though it would be hard to prove that a person knowingly transported an illegal unless he is trafficking humans.