I am a contractor , I pull permits for my protection and the customers .  

Both were customers, ran small business, and held money with the bank.

Jason's comment is spot on, IMHO she should find a very good insurance broker, they're allegiance is to the customer.

Determine the type of customers you want though. 

I sustained back injury on the job.

So I contacted the Advisor and couldn’t get a response and attempted to go through customer support and the whole website was down and they stole my money and disappeared.

If going this route custom build it and reinforce it. 

The flip isn't always as fast but it's a very sustainable model with excellent margins.As for the "Where", just focus on a place with solid market dynamics where you have a tangible competitive advantage.

The first will require you to have another form of cash flow to sustain your lifestyle and future investing, commonly being a W2/1099 job.

It depends on the level of protection/customization you are looking for