This is a material misrepresentation .

As stated earlier in the thread, primer is less costly than finish paint and you have the same labor and material quantity 2 coating with the paint or priming and top coating.  

The purchase price was $10,000 I spent a little over 4k in materials and about $1500 in closing costs.* I will note I did contract out one thing and that was carpet upstairs.

If everything checks out buy your own materials and pay half up front/half at completion. 

A contractor is better at building than picking materials.

Zoning had probably changed at some point to light manufacturing and it is surrounded by construction material distributors, napa auto parts, etc.

All of it.You'll put as much into time and materials (or more) to attempt to cover the ugly as you will to take the fireplace and wall out, go open concept, drop an island, and be done.You'll have less hazards like fire (obviously!)

Has anyone use an someone to help pick out material and colors for their flip projects.

Or, create a low planter (a bit more work and money, but would look the best) out of the least expensive material (cinder block?)

I shopped around quite a bit (considering quality and cost) since I generally like to select a vendor and then use that material moving forward (for all projects).Home Depot stocks 4 colors of Lifeproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, and they offer several other colors with 1 week lead time.