I don't take any of them too serious until I see a 3 month trend.

All of my clients are buying commercial properties up as much as possible.Yes poverty is at a highest level in 40 years or something like that in an article I read recently.The middle class is going non-existent.You will have the wealthy people and then the poor people.It has been trending this way for the last few decades.The people that do have money see this as an amazing time to grow their wealth even further and solidify future generational wealth for their families.How you view the world right now depends on which end of the stick you are on.I do not want to get political either.There are some wealthy people that say poor people should just deal with it and the wealthy shouldn't be taxed higher to subsidize government programs.The other side says if people are poor and get no food,assistance from the government then they have nothing to live for and crime and anarchy will break out.

What is the next trend we need to be aware of?

Know of any trends?

About two years ago my accountant mentioned "Captive Insurance" as a way to avoid paying a lot of taxes.

Any idea how best to research current market trends in order to find cities/neighborhoods with promise?

My suggestion would always be to keep an eye on the property and see the trends in the neighborhood.  

I've sold off vacant lots in the county of los angeles and did fairly well since a new trend out here is new construction with many of the fix and flip investors.

Unemployment rate and trend?

I'm not sure of where that trend is currently.