We planned to put about 30-40k into it to open up walls, remodel the kitchen and bathroom and possibly even add a bath.

If you leave the windows bare you'll be cheapening the look on an upper priced unit or opening yourself up to the tenant hanging cheap (paint drop-cloth quality) blinds using the same nails he would use to hang Christmas lights outside, 20 penny nails!

Would they be open for that, you think?

To "learn the market," we went to 10 open houses since early-to-mid February.

A new business opens every couple weeks and construction projects are happening around nearly every corner.

He said he is open to ideas, so I am wondering if anyone has any advice as to how I can make this work.

Communication should be open in both ways.  

If you open a pro account you can track all expenses and begin asking for either free delivery or a discount on materials.

I would have to live with the VA but is open for other places for the other.

I'm open to any guidance.I have no idea to secure funds if I have to put some skin in the deal, hopefully, since its, some kind of grant it won't require any money down.