Anyone have experience with restoration?

I'm considering making restoration the focal point of my self-funded search (specifically mitigation, not reconstruction), and would appreciate the opportunity to speak with anyone who has industry experience or just a good grasp on the industry. For context, I'm searching in the Southeast. Specifically, I'm interested in learning about: 1) What to look for and what to avoid in evaluating opportunities 2) The role that geography plays 3) How difficult it is to establish direct relationships with insurance agents / adjusters 4) What the common issues associated with serving insurance companies are 5) How difficult it is to establish a trade referral channel (e.g., where plumbing companies refer business) 6) How difficult it is to recruit talent 7) What managing a small (sub-$1M SDE) restoration business looks like day-to-day 8) Viability of someone without industry experience running the day-to-day 9) General sentiment around the restoration industry (competitive landscape, valuations, macro trends, etc.) I would happily pay anyone willing to give me their perspective.