ATLANTA—Cohen & Associates is about to go on a spending spree. In fact, that spending spree has already started. Contrary to most investors, Cohen & Associates is spending in secondary and tertiary markets, purposely targeting so-called hairy deals.

Led by Israel-born Gidi Cohen, the firm is about to raise more capital to snap up more assets across the country. The Los Angeles-based firm has shined a spotlight on the Southeast, in particular, in recent months. GlobeSt.com caught up with Cohen to discuss his strategy, as well as his take on what to expect next in the ongoing commercial real estate recovery.

GlobeSt.com: In the past several months you have been able to acquire properties, such as Renaissance Walk in Atlanta and Tierra Vista in Orlando, at very deep discounts. What type of projects and what markets offer the greatest opportunity to acquire distressed assets?