If you could find a successful local mentor that specialize in your market and that is an expert in the REI specialty you desire that could save you mistakes and help you complete a few smart purchases (anyone can make stupid purchases) it could easily be worth $12K.My issue is that I suspect this phone mentor is not an expert in your market otherwise he likely would be able to meet you in person. 

>>"Most homes in the neighborhood have at least 1 car garage"so you are at a marketing disadvantage and all things being equal, you're neighbor's sfr rental would be more desirable than yours. 

I’m looking to assist experienced investors by providing a fair amount of knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a desire to learn.

Depending on the issues in the kitchen and what is required, desired, needed and wanted a quality renovation will be approximately $20,000-$30,000.This is based on not knowing anything about the house, location and what is required.There are a few posts here on BP that talks about quality contractors at a reasonable price and I'm more than happy to give you a few recommendations.

"C" is small, but desirable purely because it has road frontage.

It's a very dense and desired neighborhood.

We buy property from MLS and if you watch your numbers and set a desired profit it will work out.

Desirable neighborhood alll restored Bungalows (including this one) I mean there are about a thousand of them, block after block ....any ways everyone love it everybody raves about it yet no sale.

And I got a beautiful 1/1 condo $28K below the retail price in a desirable part of town.

Although some investors share your conservative approach with the desire to pay off every property they own they make very little return compared to leverage and would do far better putting their cash in a income fund.