Typically components will be settled with like kind and quality and the lesser of the cost to repair, replace, or in the event of a total loss The coverage amount you have on the dwelling.Now, you can still do replacement cost and save a little money by having the value at 80% of the replacement cost - Replacement cost = $100,00080% of RC = $80,000Doing this will still afford you the benefits of replacement cost.What I've found in my insurance career is that independent agents are the most knowledgable and have the most options for you to properly assess and cover you.

Lack of deal volume is one reason that quality, independent aggregation sites are so necessary - they will help smaller platforms obtain investor eyeballs. 

Independent of the basement when we get full gut bids, between 1000 & 2000 sq ft the bids have ranged from $2K t0 $5K .  

I was a little latter turning my attention to real estate than you are, but it is a good vehicle towards independence - leaving you more time to explore those things that taunt your interest.

I am a independent insurance what question did you have

You will run into the following: independent nurseries, people doing work on their yard and trying to unload their plants, really cheap potted plants from people who are unable to care for their plants anymore. 

Of course, you could also do "assistant" stuff, like helping them run comps, schedule showings, etc - making the arrangement a win-win.Note there are certain things you cannot do as an unlicensed assistant (like show properties to prospective buyers or possess an electronic lock box key), but it's a huge step towards being more independent and thus less dependent on your agent to do everything for you. 

Sean is 100% on point with everything he said above.As an independent broker operating very much the same as Plum Tree, etc.

I've been an independent contractor for other companies for a few years and am launching out on my own. 

I graduated college about 2 years ago and am currently in the process ,under contract, of acquiring my first duplex(of many ;p)I first became interested in real estate when I graduated college and started reading about financial independence and how to achieve it.