Matt, if you are using VA loan you will need to stay on it but eventually, you could rent it out.

You have to stay in front of them or you will get forgotten.

I agree with Carl Fischer that should follow your contract and schedule to ensure work progress and payment stays on track.

Now, I've got my agent bringing me mls houses, but the numbers are not matching my excpectation (1% rule)Now, I'll be staying for a month, so I'm telling myself I should try to partner on a rehab project.

If you buy it and stay two years and sell I think you will make more ROI. 

Also, the funding fee is actually more expensive than mortgage insurance unless you plan to stay long-term.  

I am a stay-at-home mom of an almost three-year-old and almost one-year-old.

If you're staying on the residential end of things, I would suggest contact your personal insurance carrier to start. 

I'm worried that during that because of that rehab period, my DC property could be considered my primary residence since I have a mortgage, and given the fact that I don't currently help pay my parents mortgage through rent and therefore can't validate me staying there.

If they stay until December, then you have collected $600 extra.