I would contact a local fire restoration company. 

I'd never done that before for tenants and based on the nice card they left me, I think it went a long way.Another thing I do is renovate units in a period appropriate way, along with many of the original touches restored.

I have a spreadsheet I use that I massaged for exactly this purpose.

I started a Walking Tour business (http://www.RichmondTourGuys.com) and I also got a job as an Assistant for a General Contractor that specializes in Historic Restorations (Restoration Builders of Virginia - http://www.RBVAinc.com).

I also would like to recover at least part of my damages for lost rent and for having the property restored. 

Yes I am extremely happy,one thing you need to look for in Memphis most people are poor so do not buy high end Homes gets something around 50 to 60 k I think that is the sweet spot .if you want the name of the company send me a privet massage thanks

And I always try to rehab a little bit nicer than the rest or than I probably have to.

Using VA and getting it restored take some time since the VA is not always the quickest depending on where your regional center is (luckily your in phoenix, thats where the VA admin is on the west coast).I like VA because you can do fourplexes with 0% down and qualification is fairly easily while offering the borrower ability to live for free or make net positive cash flow monthly.

I live in Delaware, I have a restoration company in case any of you need some work done.

I would just restore the house to its original footprint I think.