Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac at yearend wrapped up most of the massive amount of repurchase demands tied to their pre-2008 books of business, which likely means less business for law firms and companies that help lenders defend buyback demands. But Resolution Portfolio Management & Oversight sees the new buyback era as an opportunity, especially for boutique firms like itself. “A lot of our competitors are out of business,” said Andrew Henschel, RPM’s executive vice president. “Their business model was based on volume. We’re a boutique. If we don’t win, we don’t get paid.” Indeed, these are trying times for some due-diligence firms. Last fall, Allonhill LLC sold most of its assets to Stewart Lender Services. Then a few months later, Allonhill owner Sue Allon threw what was left of the firm into bankruptcy protection after...