He already has a pretty good eye for deals

Same zips as above are some of the great ones to keep an eye out in.

I've read and heard first hand how people pay 3-5 figure ticket prices for courses/seminars that teach them less than they can learn right here on BP... for free, as you mentioned.All in all, I'm sure it was eye opening for you to see how much you can learn and do on your own by simply applying yourself.I know BP will continue to add value to you!

I've been keeping an eye on zillow and have an agent sending me listings from the MLS so as soon as the right place pops up i'll be ready to put in an offer on it. 

I'm slightly nervous about investing in Phoenix, so we're also keeping our eyes open in Prescott and Yuma as well. 

(Not just money, other costs too)Determine whether the goal is worth the cost.If it is, focus on that goal and don't take your eyes off it.

I guess I'm wanting to know if making a specific $ amount per deal is just as worthwhile in the seasoned investor's eye as the %s?

In a true downturn many of the people who've been "waiting for the downturn" won't actually buy because it is scary and the argument will become people trying to catch a falling knife.

I wish the fix/flip calculator incorporated a financing section that accounts for closing costs, down payment, interest payments, loan payoff, etc.

If she was proactive and reached out ahead of time (she did NOT, in your case), AND had a plan to catch up, AND was a model tenant, I might extend her the courtesy of holding off an eviction (I would still charge the late fee).