Alright update.
I replaced the filter and separator. I filled them through the holes, not the center. I'm assuming I was supposed to fill until the center was full correct?
And then I did the whole turn key to the on position then back off about four times to cycle the engine. Then tried to start.
Still no success
Reached out to a local guy who knows a bit more. Hopefully he'll be able to work with me and figure it out.
His suggestions are attach a blow gun to and air compressor, stick it in the fuel tank, cover the hole with a rag to keep air from coming out and to push the fuel through the lines as a pseudo priming method. But I also clarified that the fuel is old. So he's suggested to get a transfer pump and drain the fuel tank, since the fuel probably had gelled over the winter.
Also that it may be an IAP sensor problem. To unplug the sensor and try starting, but if that still doesn't work, to get a scan tool and see if anything is coming up as a problem. Has anyone tried unplugging a sensor and that fixing the problem?
On the bright side of things, I bought and angle grinder with a brush attachment and have started to buff down the floors. Boy that makes for some shiny rust free metal! Took about four hours to do about a yard from the rear in but hey it's something!