We were able to delay the fixing of this because we purchased in winter and a very heavy snow winter at that and were not going to be able to paint it for over 30 days so we were allowed to put the sellers money in an escrow account and have a contract with a painter to remedy it as soon as possible.On that note, don't think that you're going to be able to buy a multi family that needs work and rehab it, the VA won't allow that. 

I just didn't know that.I don't have my own network of  subs carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, locksmiths, landscapers and pm's  ( I now try to get contact info of every person I see in a pickup or van that does residential work) I have at least 3 plumbers now on my list.Must Do'(s)In the 30k market what I found is most important is KEEPING THE GRASS CUT.

By priming first, and then potentially waiting a month or more to paint the interior would for sure be a hassle to the painters, costing you more at the end of the project.

My wife is the painter but she asked me and that's out of my league so here I am! 

I'll post pics of the Menards counters at a current house once my painter is done

It is currently rented to my painter for $1000 a month (he offered to paint the exterior for a discount of $250/mo for 1 yr) and will rent for $1250 after he buys a house in a year. 

I have the handyman/painter in the first/second day, and then the cleaners and carpet cleaners in the second and third. 

Joe Westmoreland I think I can speak at the same language as you.

Where can I get a reliable, professional painter? 

If they take their time going through a home teaching me their trade then I know they are proud of their work.I have a painter and handyman I have used on my past rehabs that are reasonably priced and do good work.