If I had to guess they use some kind of an algorithm or automated system for determining just value. 

If you are asking if that contract is used as the instrument to assign, the answer is no.

@Ken Teng - problem is that the "rusty belt" lost jobs as much due to automation as globalization.

Maybe a second income of a spouse will just put them over the hump.On the other hand, the minimum wages increase could create inflation and and cause layoffs and employers to automate and not hire as many, ex.

How are you structuring your bank accounts to accept rent, to know who paid, if you have an automated/online system?

Tax assessments are useless as far as estimating value, ditto Trulia and Zillow automated valuation models.

I'd also say it's an easy method to automate later down the road with VAs and employees which is fantastic. 

Is he just ripping the rents on you.. do you have an assignment of rents clause in your debt instrument? 

It's analogous to learning an instrument: you get out of it what you put into it.

Yes, there are investors who purchase first potions mortgages and deeds of trust as well as second positions along with all types of other debt instruments, for that matter.