Every time I kill Elijah I can never make it to the exit in time, can someone help me figure out the route back?

I always get to the first maintenance door in time then blow up.

Sorry, this thread can be disregarded. I was looking through my inventory to see if I could get rid of anything else without losing any gold bars, I saw that I was carrying two gas bombs, each weighing 5 pounds, I dropped them and got the boost I needed.

Undisregard this thread, where are some good rich traders where I can offload the gold? (preferably not NCR-affiliated because my reputation with them is 'unpredictable' and I'll get less for selling them)

I don't think anyone has more than 8000 caps. You'll have to get some barter going. Buying an expensive item should be the only reason for you to cash in your gold bars anyways.

I suggest going to Hidden Valley, buy a bunch of things such as Power Armor and Thermic Lances, and sell those to vendors. Myself, on the other hand, has two gnome sentries guarding my treasure from my so-called "companions".