How to test for asbestos and should you fix it?

[Bruce P.]

Hello, so my friend purchased a home built in 1961 in Ventura county (Moorpark/Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Simi/Agoura area) with popcorn ceilings with the intention to rent it out and/or Airbnb part of it.  

1) Should they get an asbestos company to come out and test it or do it themselves?  And finally, what is a good ballpark estimate for removing asbestos for a home that is 1,962 square feet? (4 bed, 2 bath).

2) If the asbestos is just in the popcorn ceilings, is it better to just plaster and paint it over?