With all of the recent regulatory changes including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Appraisal Independence is a must along with numerous other regulatory concerns. Just because you outsource your valuations to an AMC does not make you less accountable, you are still responsible for choosing a compliant provider.
Doing your due diligence is not an option; there are no shortcuts when it comes to compliance. However, having a plan in place and working with an experienced AMC will lighten your regulatory burden.