The division has completed more than 1,000 valuations for abroad range of financial institutions, asset managers and large CREowners thus far in 2008 and expects the number to exceed 1,500 byyear end, the highest total since 1993, according to BernardHaddigan, Marcus & Millichap's managing director in Atlanta andnational executive in charge of Special Assets Services. Marcus& Millichap has already sold more than 100 troubled assetsnationwide this year, with more sales expected as lenders attemptto clear up balance sheets and private-equity funds work to free upcapital.

"A lot of firms don't get their hands into the dirt the way wedo," Haddigan tells GlobeSt.com. "None of these other firms havecultivated the relationships that we have, and we've been here allalong. We have the technology and infrastructure to be able toshare information quickly."

Encino, CA-based Marcus & Millichap established its specialassets services division in 2006 and expanded it earlier this year,linking eight regional directors throughout the US to oversee ateam of experienced investment brokers at 75 offices across thecountry. Its agents maintain relationships with local and regionallenders and are often asked to assess problems with commercialportfolios, says John Leonard, the division's eastern regionaldirector in Atlanta.