But for non-commercial properties, there isn't a whole lot you can do to make a deal. 

This is because commercial loans have shorter fixed periods than noncommercial residential loans. 

This post is a request on several levels: 1) I have an investor client that needs to purchase ~$2.0M of RE (residential and small MF, non-commercial) prior to year end. 

There is a chance commercial residential finance problems affect non commercial residential.Then there is whether non commercial residential is the best investment.

If prices go down, you will wish you had waited to buy rather than paid more than your property is currently worth.I am unconvinced that the finance issues affecting commercial MF (>4 units) will not impact non-commercial RE (<5 units). 

2.4.8 - Single-family Residential 6 (R-6).In a R-6 single-family district no land shall be used and no building shall be erected for or converted to any use other than:a)Principal uses: The following uses shall be permitted as principal uses:1) Single-family detached dwellings.2) Public and non-profit institutions of an educational, religious or cultural type excluding corrective institutions and hospitals.3) Governmental buildings and uses.4) Public utility uses required to service the district.5) Public and private noncommercial recreational areas and facilities such as public parks, country clubs and golf courses, excluding miniature golf courses and driving ranges.6) Temporary buildings when they are to be used only for construction purposes or as a field office within a subdivision approved by the city for the sale of the real estate of that subdivision only.

If the commercial MF issues affect non commercial RE, we could experience price declines.  

I can see a scenario were commercial residential issues impact non-commercial residential.  

Note commercial residential In many markets have fallen in value but non-commercial residential has not.  

I am looking to purchase a sfr or a non commercial multi family property.