Consider consulting a real estate attorney or CPA to determine the best strategy based on tax efficiency, future sale plans, and estate considerations.

I'm entertaining hiring Egyptians because many of my colleagues have had great experience using them recently, but I've managed hundreds of VAs over my 10 years of investing with the majority of them being from the Philippines.Having a hiring process will determine the quality of applicants you receive. 

The big thing that determines the price is what actually has to be done and the finishes that you select.I know you said it is a gut remodel but are the floors still good? 

Lenders look at creditworthiness/balance sheet/track record and the collateral in determining the leverage they will offer.

Once this is determined you can select the best neighborhood and asset that fits your capabilities. 

If you rely on travel time to meet 750 hours, you're playing Russian roulette with the IRS.

That time frame will determine your RE strategy. 

A hard pull allows a lender to run your file through an automated underwriting system to determine whether or not you're pre-qualified.

When you charge under market rent, the IRS deems that you do not have a profit motive and, therefore, disallows all rental expenses. 

Use the information you have and determine what they can afford.