I can at least find out the rules that go by or what they allow. 

I tell people all the time: if you can't find a quality PM in a market, don't invest in that market!

Where can I do to do some research and figure out weather this style of get away is still growing in popularity, or if it is on the decline? 

Quote from @Matthew Hull: Thanks for the thoughtsI should be more specific. 

Buy properties, get rent, buy more properties, get more rent.

I'm normally skeptical of insurances I've never heard of or from out of state, but it's been a lot harder finding good landlord's insurance in CA this year.

Are there any guidelines or best practices (ie: rewiring such a property would be more valuable than updating insulation).Is it something you need to ask the insurance company about to get, or is all this determined in the initial interview with the potential insurer?

Appraiser's learned a valuable lesson in 2008 when they were accused of being one of the causes of the great recession.

We find this to be true. 

Purchase price: $420,000 Cash invested: $120,000 5 bedroom 2 bath property with pool, shed and playground in the backyard.