Housing Value Decline?

I am fairly new t o Real Estate.....my partner and I have started a new company which will purchase properties for rehab, rent, flip or build and develop. We have a construction firm which has been in business 1990 / we also perform lead & asbestos abatemet and have experience with mold (all of which we will utilize (when necessary) to upgrade purchased properties. Our new company will obvioulsy hire our contracting firm for our GC needs.

With the esculating fuel prices, potential housing value declines, etc......is there areas to pursue now: smaller energy effecient homes?.....condos?.....areas of the country to avoid? or simply wait...I believe real estate can always be good.......you just have to be more screwd at certain times.

Your input would be greatly appreciated!