Brent,
It sounds like this work is not a good match for you. The FEMA contractors cannot find lodging for all their inspectors although they do sometimes set up cot camps. They will pass along information about available lodging on their
broadcasts (e.g., an inspector knows of rooms available at his motel, an inspector is looking for a roommate, etc.).
This work is better suited for inspectors who are very independent and don't need (or want) higher-ups holding their hand or looking over their shoulder. As a FEMA disaster inspector you are expected to take care of your day-to-day needs and get the work done. How you do that is up to you.
Is there a lot of uncertainty? Sure. But that is part of the package. If you can't handle uncertainty (e.g., will I be able to find lodging in my area?) then this work may not be for you.
I remember talking to one of the girls back in PB's main office a couple of weeks into working the 4 Florida hurricanes in '04. PB had used all available inspectors and was looking for many more. She said a few new inspectors had already requested to be sent home. I couldn't understand why these guys would want to leave with so much work to be done (and money to be made). She said they were complaining about having to step over debris and the awful smells inside the damaged houses. I guess these guys didn't understand what a disaster is and that a disaster area will be strewn with debris and not smell good.
No, this work is not for everyone. But it is OK for those that are well suited for it.