As a beginner it is ever so difficult to know What to invest hard earned dollars in , over the period of time which I have been growing trees for Bonsai I have tried many trees from various places. What the good people on this particular Forum have been saying is that sometimes for beginners it is best to seek advice on a purchase from a Bonsai nursery/seller because they usually sell trees with far more potential than regular garden centers. Also Bonsai nurseries/sellers are best equipt to offer Advice "if asked".
Most trees sourced from regular garden centers can be turned into Bonsai over a period of time it all depends on the growers experience.
Not all trees grown for Bonsai will conform to the Traditional ways however if grown and styled utilising all the knowledge learnt , they can be made into more Natural Bonsai. That is they still possess alot of the qualities needed to be Bonsai on the more leinient side of things.
If you look at the tree posted it is developing a nice Nebari at the base, the Trunk hasn't alot of Taper yet but this will happen slowly on this tree , Branch structure is still a progress underway and will take several years for it to gain some even taper through them and a more even distribution of them , the tree is beginning to show Balance of direction and it is slowly getting there.
An award winning Kokfu Tree No but a sweet tree built designed grown and loved by myself Yes. That's is what Bonsai is all about! Have Fun , enjoy and learn as we go,