Determining market trends directly from statistical data would not be easy.

It is ok to study statistics, but emotions will affect how long you stay.

One, contact an Independent agent(s). 

My wife and I are trying to figure out the best first steps to building our investment inventory to become independent of “careers”.  

The situation is completely independent of the properties fundamentals.

@Charyl J. finding a good independent insurance agent in the Kalamazoo area will be your first step.

I still live in half a duplex today because it's really the ticket to financial independence imo.

Here is the latest interesting national statistic and the some Florida markets.

And is it common to have a personal endorsement in order to protect an LLC owner personally - especially if the owner will be actively involved in the remodeling process (LLC comprised of self & spouse with no employees - only independent contractors)?

You need some statistics to make your search easier.Here’s an interactive map from the National Association of Realtors that should help you hone in on some areas you might be interested.