Hi Frank, Welcome to ActiveRain!  Since you're new, you may not be aware that self-advertising in the Q&A section (e.g. links to your own content) are against community expectations.   Your question itself is acceptable so that stands.  The links on this question (and I'll check your other question next) have been removed.

Short sales & auctions. They are pretty rare in my area at the moment.

BPO/ BOVs are used in short sales and more. I have done them for private lenders. It's a way to back up an appraisal, or even replace one for a lot less money. I've also done commercial BOVs for local /regional banks who did not want to spend their borrowers money on an expensive commercial appraisal (which can be five figures), if there was a chance that the property might not appraise. I got out of the BPO game many years ago, but I will do a commercial BOV on off market deals with a hard money lender happily. I get intel on the deal and the buyer, who could come back around to me later when it's time to liquidate. Also I've had those buyers come to me to help them buy other properties.

Short sales are the biggie.  Maybe divorce or probate.  

They were necessary for short sales.  

I know banks use them for other reasons however, I cannot recall what the reasons are at this moment.  

Hi, Frank

   With respect... make sure you get paid up front.  Many Brokers who were offered BPO's after the Crash of the mid-2000's can attest to doing "Drive-By Appraisals", and never getting paid.

Assumptions, servicing, foreclosures, bankruptcy, death, probate, divorce, dispute an appraisal...

Short Sales and REO's.

Divorce, tax basis,

Haven't seen those since back in the down market on 2008 - 2012