In these scenarios, business interruption insurance could provide some protection.

That said, our rental is a single family home which I think is better protected since renter's can stay at the home and not have to be around anyone unless they want to.

I would definitely consider hard money again, but this time I'd try to put something in contractually in the commitment letter to protect my out of pocket costs, explain even better every single aspect about the property, etc. so that the underwriting is more based on objective data than simply someone's opinion. 

If they are good, and they protect your asset, collect your rent and manage all of the Maintenance for a reasonable price they are worth it if you have a decent size portfolio. 1-5 units is manageable by an individual.

Most people use LLCs for the liability protection (LLC stands for limited liability company, meaning, if sued, you don't have the same personal liability as you would without the entity).

One of my pharmaceutical companies is developing an antidote to nerve-agent exposure to protect the US military from chemical weapon attacks, which shows that I'm always looking for opportunities to create value in places that others have overlooked. 

The government is protecting the public if they walk into your building.  

Aside from giving her general advice and strongly suggesting that she get a protection from abuse order, I stated that I would change the locks but that I would need to be reimbursed for the cost incurred (e.g.locks, extra keys for other tenant, etc.).

This policy was put in place to protect sellers, but if your seller is adamantly opposed to being listed on the MLS, you can't force them.

How can I protect my assets, I am owner occupying a duplex in Middletown, Connecticut.