If your broker only represents one carrier (captive agent) or only has a couple of markets you should also consider getting quotes from other Independent agents who represent different markets.The following is part of a post I made to a new owner in the past. 

Even the title companies local to you who have captive QI accommodator relationships will usually be working with folks far away and your interface will be at a distance.

As a finance undergraduate student, I've always been captivated with investments, and real estate has been my favorite type of investment opportunity. 

If you remodel the interiors, you're still a bit captive to the rent of all the next-door neighboring units...

If you use a "captive agent" or one who only sells for one company, the advantage that I can think of, is that that they may REALLY understand the offerings for that one company. 

Most underwriters have what is called "captive QI"s either wholly owned by the title company or wholly owning the title company. 

The first Podcast I listened to was #247 "How to buy your first (or next) property by the end of the year", and all I can say is I was captivated to learn everything I could after that.Been reading the forums and listening to Podcasts ever since.

Other things I’ve heard of is using a captive insurance company, but that’s more for the big guys who make a lot of money (think 500k plus) or putting properties in a C or S Corp and paying yourself a dividend.

You either need a knowledgeable law firm or a specialty consultancy like Rishel Consulting Group to help you and that assumes you have enough loan volume to justify the expense of setting up a related or captive finance company.

Typically big banks and credit unions are captive to a single PMI provider, mortgage brokerages and banks can shop it among mortgage insurance providers.