With Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac taking the lion's share of loans from CMBS, roundtable participants, moderated by Joseph Donovan, Senior Vice President of Production Management for Arbor suggested stronger relationships be developed with equity partners, with those partnerships presented to the lender. Also suggested was building more time into the deal process, from escrow to close.

Brian O'Boyle, founder and managing broker of Apartment Realty Advisors' Dallas office said the time requirement is especially true when it comes to loan assumptions. He pointed out that the 60-day assumption turnaround is a thing of the past, with most assumptions taking between 90 and 120 days. In response, buyers are asking for more extension rights to be built into their contracts.

Diane Butler, senior vice president, general manager, with Land America Valuation Corp.'s local office said lenders tend to look favorably on a property with a good track record, a sound owner and stabilization. But she and the other experts said it's supremely important to make sure the lenders have all the information, no matter how dire, up front. "We need good, solid explanations for any irregularities," she explained. "Make sure all your ducks are in a row before you come see us."