"Distressed deals are definitely increasing in the market," Mays tells GlobeSt.com. "Moving forward in 2009 and 2010 those transactions will have a larger presence as far as market share goes, and buyers are coming off the sidelines to take a look at the properties."

The attention distressed and foreclosed deals are expected to get in the upcoming year will have much to do with pricing, according to Mays. Traditional market pricing has dropped only about 10%, but distressed or foreclosed properties have dropped 20% to 30%, he says. Experienced investors will look to acquire underperforming or value-add properties at those prices, according to Marcus & Millichap's latest apartment research. Increased renter demand in more affluent areas will also draw investors to the market, the brokerage reports.

The recent sale of Glenbrooke Apartments, a 304-unit community in Marietta, is one example of the types of distressed deals that will get done in the upcoming year. The property, located at 750 Franklin Road, was purchased by its previous owner for just under $12 million, including debt. After a failed attempt at a condo conversion, the property's occupancy plunged from 80% to 20% and suffered from a lack of management, according to Mays. The lender reclaimed the property four months ago and resold it to a new buyer for $7 million. The deal was brokered by Marcus & Millichap's Dave Wilson. The names of the seller, buyer and lender could not be disclosed.