Hi,
Recently, I have deployed Bitcoind + P2pool + CPUMiner on my own server for test(The system is CentOS7 Linux) and is running successfully.
I think for deploying a bitcoin mining pool, more than 3 days is needed. The data of bitcoin several days ago is more than 50 GB, it cost me 2 days to download them all. But to avoid any accident, I think 7 day is best.
The security of vps is also important. I will close unused port first and change password login to public key authentication.
I have many experience in deploying linux server like website, calculation server, bitcoin server. So I think I'am the best choice. Please contact me if you want to discuss more details.
P.S. I recommend the server use CentOS 7 (a version of linux), because it's more stable and security. And the vps should have more than 100 GB hard drive.