Which turntable? Pro-Ject or VPI?

Neither.

Either

TT with a tonearm with removable headshell

or

No Tonearm, add arm with removable headshell

or

TT that allows a 2nd Tonearm, 

1st Tonearm: EASY Arm Height Adjustment

VPI. I have an older Aries Scout with AT 0C9XSL cart going into Parasound components and am super happy. I think the VPI gives you solid but lively tables. 

VPI of the 2....but prefer Michell turntables.

Just Listed:

advanced VPI, read about it’s upgrades, allows changeable arm wands if you want in the future

higher cost than you are considering, however, IMO a much better choice if the money can be found. divided by several years, the extra money is not as much as it seems, the higher quality/features begin on the 1st day

note: has anti-skate feature, many don’t

higher cost than you are considering, however, IMO a much better choice if the money can be found. divided by several years, the extra money is not as much as it seems, the higher quality/features begin on the 1st day

Sure, that’s a fair point but OP’s original budget can be extrapolated to be ~ $800 max based on his 2 candidates being in used condition (Classic was only $1100 new). It’s a bit cheeky to suggest a $3000 (used) table - can probably subtract out some for the included cart, but still...

I think the HW-19 Jr. w/ Rega arm is a GREAT platform for that budget, if in good running condition. The HW-19 can look rather sharp in all black, too. My dealer had an original Project Classic, some years ago - I immediately disliked its build quality and "feel". Anything from VPI is better IMO.