[NoDOHC]

You could try clearing the flood and installing a switch on the fuel pump so that you can regulate the fuel to a lower level. Starting from the lean side is the way to go, as it doesn't foul the spark plugs (I am guessing that you are still using the stock ignition - the leading plugs foul very easily on the stock ignition, as it is wasted spark). I have not had a problem with fouled plugs since I installed the LS2 coils on mine, but occasionally had fouled plugs when starting on a cold day with the stock ignition.

My guess is low compression. You need to have the fueling pretty close to get a freshly-rebuilt rotary to start. (The obvious exception to this is re-using the same seals and rotors in the same housings - which will start right up like a fully broken-in engine).

If the compression is low, you will need to use some very viscous oil or assembly grease to bridge the large, post-assembly, gaps.

The pull starting should have worked though, this makes me suspect something other than low compression (hence the fuel cut switch).