Whats the basis of the demo order? 

How much is a rough estimate to demo an existing house to build new construction? 

I'd estimate how much time it takes for 2-3 reasonably quick workers to complete the demo.

I realize that the VA reno loan will require contractors doing the big work, but you can still do some things like paint, possibly demo (depending on your contractor) and so on. 

A seasoned flipper in Ft Worth told me that demo should cost around $.75 - $1.25 per square ft  making the cost to knock out a 442 sq ft wood floor in the basement around $552.50 . 

This led me to wonder if demo-ing the shed and putting an Airstream back there would be a good idea.

I’ve found a property that will need to be gutted down to its studs but as neither of my previous properties needed much demo, I’m having a hard  time figuring out how much I should estimate for rehab.

Even at $250 per unit, if each unit takes a day to demo, we're talking $30 per hour.

I intend on demoing the property and potentially building out 6-8 units.  2.  

I.e, all demo complete, rough MEP done, insultation & drywall, etc.A lot of contractors require a deposit or money upfront which is never the best idea, but to be honest we have to do this from time to time even with our subcontractors.