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.

Check the MLS and keep track of trends and inventory as much as you can.

so even though it's only a two family, in a neighborhood with a bery active upward trend, you're suggesting it's still very worth it to simply maintain and hold the property and utilize increasing rents plus developing equity which I can leverage against without actually refinancing that building in particular?

I am interested in the overall market, house pricing trends, crime levels, what to stay away from, multi-families, etc...Alex

I am located in one of the hottest neighborhoods in Columbus and once I get this home renovated I want to jump into the multifamily arena and blow up!

^^^ LOLIf you need median sale price trends over any period of time, for any town or zip code let me know I can provide you with very precise data. 

How can I figure out the best type of investing by the current market trends?

Never rent.We only buy recent >1997 prefer >2000 for GA our max cost was $25k and the later deals trended down to $22k and some where $12k, $15k, $18k, all with 1 acre or more.  

Baltimore is the hottest market in the country right now, and one of the best kept secrets despite Realty Trac naming it the #1 SFR rental market in the country for 2016.