One thing I did when I was learning to estimate renovations was I sat down with our contractor and basically created something similar so when I wen to look at a rehab project and wrote down what i though was needed for repairs, I was able to then start plugging in the cost for each item to help me out.

Just make sure you get an itemized and finalized assurance... from the plumber, not the paint manufacturer... and ask to see some of there past perform....

As to how would I go about learning the markets....research listed properties and those sold, population growth or decline, job increases or decreases and types of jobs, capital improvements by city/town, how are the schools, what's the typical sales price , what does the typical sales price house look like, what are typical rehab costs for that area, and the specifics from good neighborhoods and bad, etc etc.Do the items listed above change, of course but they don't tend to change overnight and the mentee would be shown how to get all of this information. 

While the Appraiser does make adjustments for some of these items, it should be determined these are not like properties and making adjustments does not accurately reflect the value of the subject property. 

@Marty JohnstonIt seems that JM contracts only do major items such as HVAC according to their website.

I usually work with the pro desk to get discounts on items when I place larger items.

Using a system with numbers is now defendable if there are complaints.1.On time for appointment2.BROUGHT NECESSARY ITEMS: Identification, application information, references, application fee, holding deposit...3.Filled out application completely and truthfully4.Able to verify all of the necessary information5.Able to pay full amount of rent and deposit6.Sufficient monthly income of 3 times the rental amount7.Verifiable income and employment8.Stable income or employment for a minimum of _____ months9.Financial obligation of no more than _____% of income10.Satisfactory credit history (no bankruptcy)11.Provided credit references12.At current address for a minimum of ______months13.Gave proper notice to current landlord14.Gave proper notice to previous landlord15.No prior evictions16.No problems with previous landlords17.Deposit fully returned (none withheld for damages)18.No complaints or police reports regarding disturbing the peace, etc.19.No significant violations of a previous rental agreement20.No pets or is willing to sign a pet agreement and meets additional pet criteria21.Non-smokers22.Has a Delinquency Rate less than 45% based on Credit Score Analysis performed by Tenant Background Search.23.Has a credit grade of B or credit score of 600 or higher per Tenant Background Search.

I gained so much experience of the items that I would not have known otherwise.

When you generate the map, all items with the same group value will have the same pin color.

With a mouse click I can see where I am on my line item budget and my overall budget.