The quality of suspension rigs depends on many factors, and there is no way I can answer this without knowing more. General advice, check with the manufacturer, and check out the manufacturer. Look at it the way you would any other purchase that your life may depend on, because it will. They make small hoist that can easily suppoprt hundereds of pounds, so unless your weight is extreme, there are rigs that can hold you. But be careful, just like I do not trust a chair simply because it looks like a chair, do not think that all rigs are the same.

As for a house, this is actually simpler. If you buy a house you should have it inspected anyway, so just inform the inspector that you may be hanging sone heavy art works, or whatever, form the ceiling and ask him to certify that also. As for what to look for, I would look for at least a 4 x 4 beam that is anchored and supported on both ends with a span of not more than 8ft. A better idea is to go for a rustic cabin look, with the rough beams crossing the room below tha actual cieling these beams are usually larger and more than capable of supporting you. If you bulid your own home, you can have these put in anywhere you want.

I do not know of any books, but even I cannot read everything.