New to RE investing...what's the best method for finding/tracking consumer trends in single family dwellings.

It's an area trending in the right direction, but still a ways to go. 

I am finding deals in certain parts of the Bay area and I live in Oregon full timejust closed on two lots were I am going to put new construction that will be targeted to starter homes buyers at a price point that will be the lowest priced new home within 30 minutes of down town SF ( Traffic willing :) ).... it can be done it is being done.. it just takes some time to figure it out and try to be ahead of trends..

This investor needs a mentor, someone familiar with trends in the local market.

What direction is the neighborhood trending?"

It's pretty much the "trend" now for an attorney to defend borrowers and find errors as the fines on lenders make it more than worthwhile to get involved in predatory practices. 

This will give you a better understanding of the market and where it's trending.

If trends continue prices will rise through other areas .

I'm brand new to Real Estate, and I have only been in the DMV area for 2 years ~ so I am not familiar with the market trends.

However, before I do that I would like to learn about the trends in my market.