Flipping has a lot of different facets you want to be sharp on - especially in a downward trending market like this.1) Where is the deal coming from?

In times of lower interest rates that accelerates and times of higher rates that decelerates (although still a positive trend).

To answer your question...I study market cycles as well as historical trends. 

Specifically in terms of choosing investment locations, you'll want to consider demand drivers like: major employers/employment opportunities; population growth trends; demographics; safety and school ratings; proximity to major transportation; and more.

These are the average trend of a particular type of Townhome.

Understanding the trend and macroeconomics of that particular area, etc.

I always look for trends, and check social media to see who they are.    

Standard vent (steel pipe going up) or power vent (pvc).

These are all highly local indicators of course.On the flipside, even with renters around, a glut of new rental units could push prices down - although in my particular corner of the country the number of markets where this is happening is exactly zero.With our present nationwide lack of housing inventory and general unaffordability of housing for many - it seems likely that the trend toward rising rents will also be around for the immediate future.

I would say it's reasonable to expect that prices will flatten, but then continue to trend upwards, especially with more people filtering out of cities and into rural/suburban areas where they can have more space.