Linda, if you have never run a rehab project before, you want to hire a general contractor that will be on site and coordinate all the work among the trade subcontractors, materials etc. and handle inspections for the town/city inspector.

That would be good start for marketing materials for wholesaling. 

My goal initially is to purchase an REO duplex, utilizing a VA loan, which will be my primary residence.

How are utilities handled (Bill back, owner paid, etc) What is the mix that is or isn't renting.  

@John WoodrichThe only thing I'd do different that John Woodrich mentioned is I'd wait for the 2 year for no tax or in my case whenever I BRRR- sell after 1 year and a day to utilize long term capital gains. 

That is fine if it is the right size and material, but if not, why not measure it and go to the home improvement store and buy the material to do the repair right.It was taking them a longer than average time for them to rent the house and it had already been vacant a month before that due to my last property manager.

Since she has a mortgage, can she utilize seller financing? 

You'll need to pay the utilities and provide cable and internet. 

The utilities are turned off at the moment, so how does one investigate the state of electrical, plumbing, sewer etc?  

So I ask her to read me the lease , she says its 1 regular page , rent is $1000 a month utilities included .