California is the only state that has essentially put a rent control type of restriction on home owner insurance premiums.

It also allows you to search 400 property and property owner consumer fields, in addition to being a driving for dollars tool.

If was originated as owner occupied in the past and no longer is owner, if you have change of name on deed or insurance, if impound had a dispute, claims - are a couple reasons why the servicing changes.

A PMC is the ONLY one that will deal daily with your property.Here's some copy & paste advice on hwo to screen PMCs:Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

So the added cashflow to property owners it they are willing to become the developer and increase density that tactic could help more owners stay than could otherwise afford to stay. 

Im assuming that is what would catch any errors in owner distributions, deposits, profit/loss? 

But for many people, it is one of a number of sources of deal flow, to add to MLS listings, wholesalers, direct owner outreach, auction, etc.Assuming you are specifically talking about sheriff auctions, just make sure you familiarize yourself with the general procedures for the auction.  

Vivien - a 2-4 unit is great especially if you can owner occupy.

Not a home owners, or landlord.

You pay a higher price for beautiful properties because you are competing with owner occupants.