Good question, they seem to be all over the place depending on the area and I am not an insurance specialist, I think typically 1.5-2x normal rates but I could be off by a bit i have been honing in on White Hawk if you know that development and its in the pines but it does have water system with hydrants but volunteer fire department ..

Have you looked into shifting to an STR or MTR (depending on your location)?

The better option would be depending on your priorities.

I would anticipate it would depend on the level of detail you desired but it has been my experience that the will do free estimates.

And that depends on how you view the costs. 

But, there are still deals that can make sense depending on your budget. 

For a first timer, you can expect a hard money lender to provide 70-75% of the purchase price, and 100% of the renovation budget, depending on the after repair value.

It really depends on your bigger picture and also what you are hoping to accomplish in the future.

Depending on your finances you don't necessarily need to start with a duplex, but I wouldn't go any more than 4 unit if you're going residential.

CT is 1-2 hour drive from my location depending on the town and is manageable for one project.