If that's the case, you can get an experienced partner by agreeing to a profit split heavily in favor of the veteran investor.In exchange for a smaller profit, you get to shadow the investor throughout the entire process.

The numbers pencil out in favor of short-term renting but I’m curious to know how long it typically takes to ramp up a short-term rental.

It sounds like you got a pretty solid case in your favor.

Most banks will not look favorably on a business that is "younger" than 2 years old.

While Dubai may have some of these key points (pre-COVID) I would question the reliability of the data produced and argue that there are more preferable places with a long-standing and respected legal system that does not favor certain individuals.

Likely only if you obtain a judgement first, or at least some sort of a legal action requiring the funds be held until resolution can be made. i.e. talk to an attorney before that house sells in order to make sure they can make whatever possible motions might keep those funds from being disbursed.

I was able to call in some favors and the work will get done on time, as I know plenty of people that can do electrical and carpentry on short notice.

Things like 3x the monthly rent in income, minimum credit score requirements, no prior evictions, no felony convictions in the past 10 years, favorable references from previous landlords, or whatever is important to you.  

I personally like to use people’s desire to get paid in my own favor.

If you have access to the court file, check to see if any papers have been filed seeking to appoint an administrator or to name a person as executor (it could be a motion or an application or a petition depending on state practice).