Keeping up with current market trends

[William Brooks]

For the past couple of years I have been learning and growing my knowledge on real estate investing. I currently have a position as a residential construction manager which is providing me excellent experience and knowledge for future real estate deals. A problem that I have been having is not knowing enough about my cities real estate trends, past, current, and future. 

My question to you is: How are professional real estate investors learning about current and future trends in the real estate market?

I have been reading business journals, current reports on real estate in my area (Houston), and trying to gather as much information about the market as possible. How are you guys keeping up with the current real estate market trends where you are located?