They're trendy because they've thrown a lot of marketing dollars behind their brand.

Then pull up city data and see where the trend is going to head in the next 10-30 years if you plan to hold.If you are buying to live in, then make sure you can afford the payments and the price is historically low for that area.

On the other hand Boston is very trendy and is the place to live (if you can afford it).

I also have insurance <Grin>.It seems the state trend is to recognize the Single Member LLC but some states are just now passing those laws. 

I attached a few snap shots of a zillow price trend, I know it is zillow and not the most real able to use.

i agree what you are saying about the 90s till say about last year, but I am finding prices decreasing in some of the trendy pockets.regarding the duplex, you are absolutely right i would need to find the investor as an exit strategy and I dont really look at it as anything other than a "cashflow"... im a long term buy hold investor I just want to build equity over time and dont get into a deal that isnt cashflowing significantly to a point where it makes sense for me.Are you strictly doing wholesale or are you actually investing as well? 

Asbury Park seems to be making a change for the better in recent years and Red Bank is also becoming a trendy spot too.

I bought a triplex in a trendy neighborhood and had a theory that spending a bit more on finishes and mixing in a few low-cost designer features could draw a higher rental rate, better tenants and less vacancy.

Case and point Vancouver is a mile away from Portland and rents and property values are going up but way slower than Portland since we are not in the trendy city.

It's in a very trendy part of Denver in a really hot market.. so whats the deal?!