This makes it sound like it would be hard to brake into this avenue of investment as a newbie.

After the Houston market crashed in 1983-4, purchased an auto repair and aftermarket shop, eventually owning 7 transmission repair, general auto repair, and auto upholstery and trim shops.

"Say you have to be licensed to fix brakes on a car (pass a test and get certified), unless it's your own car.

The investigation determined it was after market parts that caused the car to catch fire and explode...probably installed by a Roush associate.

@Joe Splitrock  you have to back out NO  gas and on the west coast were gas is 3.50 a gallon  and no maintenance oil brakes and all upgrades come over the air as software upgrades.. you have to back that out and get to an effective cost of the car which is darn near half of purchase price.. 

Powell tried to put the brakes on sensibly in 2018 and 19.  

Wouldn't mind having a brake, but don't have anywhere to put it.Bought an electric planer this year...can't believe I went this long without it.

Carbon fiber body panels, superchargers, headers and exhaust components, aftermarket wheels, performance pistons and rods, machine work, etc – these parts are not cheap, and the extensive modifications left my car absolutely useless during installations for long periods of time.In total, after spending $17,000 to buy the car that I eventually owned free and clear (excluding interest) and spending an additional $20,000 in performance and other upgrades to end up with a reliable 600hp beast on the streets, I was essentially going to realize a loss of $22,000 if I was able to sell the car for $15,000 - the current blue book value the day I stood in the garage pondering if I was ready to take the leap and sign it over to a buyer.

Any adjustments for anticipated capEx would NOT be capitalized but deducted "below the line" after market value was determined by using cap rate comps.  

Pump the brakes a bit here.