Instead of brushing it off and doubting, you would be wise to follow this advice as Jay has lost more money on real estate than most will ever make, and he is still crushing it. 

They've fixed a hole in the roof, but I'd need to fix a soft spot in the floor and probably re carpet or something in the hallway and a bedroom, plus reattach the skirting. 

More sophisticated investors have a very good idea on how to be more competitive by doing things like becoming a listing agent to save money after the rehab, maybe the become a GC so they soft cost of labor, or maybe they just have a crazy good rate for materials.

If you can negotiate something you feel is fair and can accurately determine the costs to repair, it should be fine.For mine, it was obvious because the shower wall was 'soft'.  

For painting the vinyl, would spraying or brushing/rolling be recommended?

After reading what I posted I see how it comes across as dismissive and paints the profession with a broad brush.

first point out a similar property thats just came on the market (in the last week or so ), call to tell them,  tell them its similar to their property, and you would like to "share" that information with them, and this information would help hem understand what their property is worth,this is a soft approach, so you need to follow up

No matter how often I show these pics, No matter how much proof I post, for some reason people just do not grasp how important this concept is and they brush it off as not realistic.I have ranked many a sites#1, not just my site:in markets like southern cali, and dallas...I am an investor just like you.. ok maybe not JUST like you..

So in effect, does that add to the soft cost almost like a exit tax?

Coffee sounds great too, I'd just need to brush up more on the basics so your advice can really sink in.