Display Enlightment by NCX

I'm looking for the best black levels

The non-professional-oriented AHVA/IPS/PLS all have around 1,000:1 contrast, grain free matte coatings, and almost all new monitors have fake bezel/frame-less casings with perceived black depth decreasing inner black bezels (example) which make the potential contrast gains (1300 vs 1000) irrelevant.  The BenQ PD2700Q (very accurate; review links) and Asus MG279Q (144hz but less accurate than the BenQ; review links) have perceived black depth increasing matte grey bezels, but normal contrast.

If you already have a decent 60hz 1440p AHVA/IPS/PLS panel the 32" 4K BenQ PD3200U (review links) is a true upgrade since it has has a low-glow AHVA panel and a perceived black depth increasing matte grey bezel. The Asus PG27UQ and Acer X27 with local dimming  are the only 27" monitors which best the BenQ contrast and glow wise, but at double the price.

Have any VA panels caught up to the quality of IPS panels yet?

No and never.

The Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q seemed like good build quality but a little more than I wanted to spend.

The Dell uses PWM flicker despite their Flick Free claims so I can't recommend it, especially since it's significantly less accurate than the Philips and equal to the LG's which are PWM/Flicker Free.  The Philips 276E8VJSB is as accurate as the 500$+ models, PWM/Flicker free, but does not have a height adjustable stand.  The BenQ PD2700Q (very accurate; review links) is a good 1440p alternative with a height adjust-able stand in your price range.

Do you know more about the monoprice? Would you suggest that panel?

No and no since I don't recommend untested monitors.

AHVA IPS or a IPS in my case?

It doesn't matter in this price and panel range, and AHVA/IPS/PLS with above 1,100:1 contrast are very rare, and black uniformity, lack of back-light bleed and perceived black depth(grey, silver or white bezel) are far more important than small contrast differences.

The BenQ PD2720's sRGB mode provides worse image quality than standard gamut monitors (it under saturates sRGB by 5% and locks the color controls) which is normal for wide gamut monitors in this price range.  Wide gamut monitors in this price range are a waste of money and a detriment (more glow and worse sRGB modes with locked color controls) if not needed for work with programs which support color management.

There are many better standard gamut 4K monitors (here) and 1440p monitors than versus the S2719DC which has below average preset RGB level accuracy (S2719DC versus Samsung S27H850QFU) compared to the monitors I recommend here