I learned the first two from BP, the third is a simple fraction. 

On the micro level, you can use this data to spot other opportunities, such as suburban infill lot building or room additions to maximize returns in areas where rental profits may not make sense.On the other hand, I apparently need to get out from behind my desk more often because this past week I re-discovered an entire community (in very competitive Los Angeles county, no less) that is ripe for picking: Alta Dena.

And with competitive compensation, this career has helped me progress fairly quickly into my real estate career.

Problem here is we have stiff competition for anything on the MLS so they get bid up.  

Do you have a sense of whether there is competition for the acquisition of the note?  

I've lost on the last 3 distressed deals I bid for on listed properties - with so much competition, there is always someone willing to pay too much (well above what the traditional formula tells me i should pay).

Kitchen could probably use some sprucing up - repainting cabinets, new hardware, new appliances.I saw a similar post on here where someone did a similar amount of work for ~15k, though her prices were competitive.

As most of us well aware,  the supply for deal is getting dry and a lot of competition compare to 2-3 years ago.  

He told me that you are a lot less competitive with an online certification.

That will give you a much better picture of return for your efforts and allow you to compare just how much the $6k difference will make.Comments regarding paying full retail, keep in mind that J Scott is more of a flipper and his comments were likely based on that judging from his post, in a buy and hold scenario, often times, paying full or over retail will likely not get you cash flow which is why it is so important, particularly in this competitive market, to get a good deal and buy under market to achieve the cash flow returns worth the efforts.