When I first started in the business, I lived in Montclair and worked the entire West End, plus the HD.

@Rick Baggenstoss I have a really good relationship with a President from HD I wonder if they would let us hold a monthly or bi-monthly meeting at corporate headquarters.

They also often have 20% off deals at Lowe’s or HD.

I'm not a huge fan of vinyl plank at 5mm, bc it just seems thin (the first SS vinyl I used in that first house was only 3MM - and it's still looking great, it's just THIN)I've also used the Lowe's vinyl and really like it (it's made by the same company who makes the HD) - Lifeproof and.... forgetting the name at the moment.

Taking a few demonstration classes at HD can provide some good info on actual processes, so you have an idea of what is involved, but they will NOT make you a pro installer!

The rest of my finish materials I source from places including Amazon, Build.com, and HD (toilets and tubs, mostly).

If I spend two hours replacing a broken faucet that ended up being replaced by HD for free rather than paying a plumber $200 to buy a new faucet and replace the old one, then I think that's a pretty good payback for my time.

I have seen ads from Lowes and HD with 40% off appliances on their pre-Black Friday sales.

Even just a job stocking shelves at HD, Lowes or a local hardware store can get you some experience in materials and maybe help you meet local contractors and property managers and owners.BTW you are only 15 so make sure you still have fun and enjoy life a little too!

As a rule of thumb easy cheap upgrades like new light fixtures, new plumbing fixtures and things like a new modern "out of the box" vanity from HD or Lowe's can pretty up your unit nicely.