Hmm. That’s a lot of good information there, buddingphotographer.
I trust resellerratings.com and think that perhaps going with camerafocus.com is not a good idea. It looks like a risky place.
I would suggest going with a kit that doesn’t include the flash. Unless you need the flash right now, you can get essentially the same kit without the flash on a trusted source like B&H, it includes a $200 instant rebate so you are sure to get the deal without having to send in anything after the fact, and it includes a limited 1-year warranty in case of camera defects: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1012805-REG/canon_eos_70d_digital_camera_18_135mm.html
buddingphotographer, is it possible to get a better deal, still new and safe, off eBay? I don’t like eBay because warranties are not usually provided, but I thought I’d ask because you know more about eBay than I do.