Seeing a home in its worst state, and then watching someone renovate and practically make a whole street better is just captivating to me.

YES  Simply look around BP for samples of the trend.  

I should also say that I don't understand the buy local, organic thing so I can't speak to how sustainable that trend is, what you can do with 3 acres, and where the prices are going.

Appreciation, population shifts, trends, social changes, market demand and cash flow after taxes than last year's ROI or IRR.

(last one put up a modular Duplex/2 rental units- very very nicely done- pretty amazing property- he is all buy/hold)- Looking for feedback/discussion- does not have to be CT could be anywhere- CT is just where I happen to be and am noticing this trend... 

What would a RE investor read to keep on to of market trends and maybe strategy ideas?

They would also help cover the higher taxes.In most areas, you can get a duplex for the same price as a single family, and it will give you the added advantage of earning valuable experience as a landlord right away.It's great that you're thinking about future trends in your local market!

Now, this is a general trend, we all can point to neighborhoods where this hasn't happened, but overall, this is the case.

I was very interested about this question after a couple of meetings with local Disabled Society and to my mind,  NYC is a leader in this trend.

As soon as I saw this thread trending, I knew a certain someone would be in here with the "forget the LLC" babble.I needed a good chuckle.