So I have been reading on here for a year or two to get and am stuck. Craig's list is no help. In my area old rusty Schwinn's are selling for over 300. My idea since I ride for fun and fitness and currently ride the Walmart Mongoose Catchet is to get a BD Windsor wellington 3.0. For 400 I can get a bike and pay for fitting/adjustments and be under budget. I have a set of Magic wheels that I can use to upgrade once I get the bike. Since I don't race sora should be fine. My problem is I would like to buy from a LBS but don't want to spend an extra 300 for free first year adjustments and fitting when I know how to fit a bike. I'm all for making a profit but my budget is FIRM. Further, my LBS does not have used bikes either, so I'm all but forced to go new. Any help would be appreciated.

You might want to try https://www.bikedepot.com or https://www.nashbar.com. Bikedepot.com has a huge selection in your price range.

Also, welcome, from a newbie!

Welcome to BF! You won’t know what your LBS has to offer until you go visit there and do some window-shopping and info-gathering. Who knows? They may surprise you with how far down their low end actually goes and how long their post-purchase free adjustment period goes. If they try to gouge you, then leave. If your LBS experience goes bad, you could try a chain sporting goods retailer. I bought a Diamondback Sorrento ($225) for my bad weather/winter beater from Dick's in 2005 and that cheap bike has absorbed abuse and served me well ever since. I prefer buying bikes locally because there’s always some degree of support in the event of problems.

Whatever you decide to do -- good luck with it!

I agree with the above opinions. Visit a few bike shops in your area.

The BD Windsor Wellington has a triple. I don't remember that many big hills from my days in Mobile so a double should be all you'll need.

I'm down in Mobile but get by there once in a while. I will definitely keep you in mind. Will probably be another month or two before purchasing anyway. Mybin laws get to Bham a lot though so I can get them to help me as well.

Yes I would prefer a double. Save on weight for one thing. I have been to 6 different LBS and my thought is why do I need to pay such a huge mark up. When I previously sold cars, people would make offers all the time that I thought were ridiculous. Sometimes we would sell at their price though. If I offered 600 on new specialized and the LBS could still be profitable, I don't see how this would be offensive. Its my money, if they want my business they need to meet my needs and price part of that.

Bike shops and prices do not compare at all to car dealers and prices.
Bike shops make most of their "profit" (which is small) on accessories and repairs.