Maybe someone that works there or attends there wants to be within walking distance. 

I am also an investor who plans to add 2 more rentals to my portfolio in 2023, one long distance LTR back in Nebraska and one primary residence house hack (hopefully a duplex) in the Springs!

This space is located on a "somewhat" busy street, a good amount of commuters drive by daily getting to the highway.

Preferably within driving distance, but I live close to the SC/NC border anyway.

HEB, Walmart, Costco, shopping mall etc. are all within 10 min driving distance.

If not, look for a different market.You can also read "Long-Distance Real Estate Investing" by David Greene.

Towns like Slatington, Jim Thorpe, and Palmerton (as you know) offer unique advantage due to their proximity to the center of town, but are commutable and more attractively priced. 

Figure out other ways to de-stress your life so you can keep your W2 for as long as possible - outsourcing disliked tasks, working on mental/physical health, shorter commute, etc...Retirement seems like an emotional state of relatively low stress and contentment.  

When investing from a long distance, you will need to build a core 4 team.

The main reason for the suburbs would be that we are sensitive to commute!