@Will Kaufmann i was just about to say this would be a better question for an attorney but you are the attorney :)I'm an investor and Realtor for the reference..Not giving any legal advice, but from a stand point of a relator, it would be unethical to go behind your back and pitch the property to other buyer if they are your agent and you are interested in the property. 

Does anyone have any suggestions? 

So far the only suggestion I have for myself is build my credit and maybe by this time next year I’ll have a good enough score to get a down payment on my first mortgage.

I was wanting to test the market and the recommended agent, as to her knowledge of the local area, the suggested rent amount, and the recommended property management company.

Thanks for that suggestion, Matt. 

Another suggestion made to us is that if we (husband and wife) in joint tenancy own the membership interest of the LLC (instead as 2 individual), would the LLC be considered a single member LLC and thus become a disregarded entity? 

Any thoughts/suggestions/guidance?

That may or may not help reduce the rate for the NFIP policies.If your current agent can't help you with coverage in FL then PM me and I will see if I can suggest companies that write in FL.

With rates going up and the way the economy stands, do you all think it would be best for me to pull out a loan and purchase another home while renting this primary one out.

If you are too busy, I suggest  skip my questions.