A good mentor is worth their weight in gold, at least mine was.

I'm also open to transitional neighborhoods that are becoming more popular to flippers. 

Some neighborhoods in San Diego did get popular and are still growing in popularity such as North Park. 

Assuming your information is accurate, being in Lakewood (especially with its rising popularity) is a great advantage to have on other investors who aren't familiar with the streets there.

Hi,I live in southwest FL which is very popular in the winter and fall.

It's a bit longer to get to the med ctr, but you won't be living in the popular area for med students (around Herman park, which is right next to the med ctr, but also significantly more expensive, and definitely only rental). 

Painting floors was popular in the 19 teens and twenties.  

And yes, I most definitely would be paying full retail or this place because it is in a very popular area.

Again, I'm a beginner, so i know my words don't hold a whole lot of weight but I have heard more savvy investors talk about the importance of knowing how to call an audible and adapt to situations and so on, so... well done!

It takes the weight off your shoulders of pretending to be the actual end buyer.