I know a lot is going on in SO but I think it's trendy. 

The reality is that REOs are half what they were 2 years ago and the trend is down.

Trendy little neighborhoods with good cash flow and chances for appreciation.

The trend is not very good ;(

Dimmable recessed lighting is trendy these days and   will make the area look more spaceous and dimmer will help change the ambience if and when needed. 

As a BH investor, time smooths out the down cycles, IF your area has an overall upward trend.  I

Not like the last decade.One thing I do presently is ask the listing agent for a printout of the photos on his sold, the trend is for them to take anywhere from 12 to 30 photos and an appraiser can see the comp more completely.

It is not a matter of what is trendy or acceptable in your immediate circle, what matters is whom you desire to do business with and your desire to make your business experience as easy as possible.

It is a common general consideration among long-time experienced investors that once a way to make money becomes popular and trendy by those with less experience, then the investment opportunity has mostly peaked and passed.

I love Jon's solution above (I remember saying that when he first posted it as well, last year)...Carol says free-standing tubs are the big thing right now, so that's her vote...Btw, she also said that a built-in wet-bar/coffee station off the master bedroom or bathroom is also trendy these days...