What do you recommend?

I am seeking the advice of the experienced posters here. I am seeking a property management position and have experience etc. That is not the issue.
I am also seeking a company which values ethics. That is hard to find. How do I screen companies before I even apply?
Right now, I check company names against court cases for numbers of evictions, lawsuits; records which show an extraordinary number of either one. That is all there is on public record.
I am not willing to spend for a Hoover report for each company. I don't send to blind listings.
Any ideas on strategies for finding the kind of company I am seeking?

Cindy - Here is a great place to start!
Pay attention to the people here and what they have to say about their companies. Ethics are in the eyes of the beholder, unfortunately, or not. Also, look at your job search in general. Keep in mind that you have selected a "type" of company holding more importance than the job itself. When I started my job hunt a year ago, I picked WHO I wanted to work for instead of just running down a job.
For me, it was McKinley - the reason being that what I saw on their website, read about them, heard from others here (and on LikedIn, facebook, etc) was important, positive, goal oriented and future focused. These were the qualities I was hunting for, and am proud to announce that I got.
Congratulations on your discriminatory job hunt. People often forget that finding the right employee/employer is a relationship fitting. Personalities of companies are just as essential to recognize as the personality of the employee themselves.

This is an interesting question. I have been in this industry for over 23 years. I have seen economic ups and downs. I have seen whole ideals and business plans disrupted by acts of congress as well as poor management decisions. If you read the “handouts” every company will claim to be ethical and employees are their number one asset. These are great words that impress owners and bring in new contracts. However I think the true tell-tell sign is what are they investing in? Actions speak loader than words. I also have in my brochure “strong ethics” and “staff are our number one asset”. I have however surrounded myself with great, intelligent, fun-loving, enjoyable, people and team members that truly understand my personal dedication to this industry.

I believe in sub-servant leadership. That is… I serve my staff and create an environment where they will be successful. To the degree they are successful, then I will be successful.

I believe what goes around with come around. If you are unethical or underhanded you will not be successful in this industry for any length of time. Reputation is a key to success.

I believe in well thought out and well communicated goals and expectations. The unspoken expectation is the quickest road to resentment.

I believe in leadership by example. That is... If you want staff to work hard, you need to set the example and work harder.

I believe you need to have fun. At least 3 out of 5 days you need to enjoy your work/job. Nothing is perfect however if you cannot be happy at work at least 3 of 5 days it is time to move on.

I know what I believe. Do you know your personal core values? I think this is important when you are selecting a new company. You will likely spend more time with your team members at work than you will with your own family. If you understand what you believe you will be in a better position to recognize the “right fit” when the opportunity presents itself.

Bravo! Extremely well stated TPC DJS. I agree!

Finding a company culture you can not just survive, but thrive in is one of the major challenges for many property management professionals. I suggest that you take the time, past doing your initial research, to talk with people who work there. Much like a resident referral can close a sale for us, an employee's testimonial about their company can tell you more than any report ever could. I suggest a cross section of 5 employees per company, so as to get a good feeling for what you can expect.