But if you have a bunch of money burning a whole in your pocket and you just want to hit the easy button, I think it probably would be worth it to join that training program.

It is $4,000 worth of work and materialsAny suggestions would be appreciated!

Most GC's are not interested in 203k jobs that are smaller as they just aren't worth the paperwork. 

What would you recommend regarding materials and appliances for a kitchen rehab intended to serve dual purpose as a rental property kitchen and a flip/resale property?

I think it would be worth your while to just buy one. 

(Also look into the FHA 203K loan)Another benefit to going with a multifamily is that it can "boost" your purchase price using 75% of the other income to help your debt to income ratio... so $1000 rental is worth $750 to offset any PITI payments.

A property that's currently worth $180k and the seller would take $165k, and all the messiness of "subject to" (i.e. the bank could call the note).

Look at what the home is worth today if it were in good condition.

We bought an 81 unit, 3 years ago, for pennies well now its worth well north of 2 mill.

If you get paid in knowledge instead of cash it's well worth the effort.