Here are your parts
Model VBXR1060T5WB

makes a gurggling noise
It sounds like the drain pump is running.

Do you have the wiring diagram?
They like to put it in the control console.
I will not be able to find one one the internet, GE likes to keep them a secret from the public and Hotpoint is a GE machine.

If you advance the timer will it do anything else re: Agitate or spin?

Here is a good site to give you some basic troubleshooting help
http://www.applianceaid.com/washers.html

Could be that the timer contacts that run the pump are welded together.

I would try to figure it out from the wiring diagram.

Perhaps open up the control console and check the wires.

You have 2 problems.

1. If the gurgling is the pump it is somehow getting power when it shouldn't

2. For some reason the fill valve is not running at the start of a cycle.
This is usually controlled by a set of timer contacts and the fill pressure switch. One side of the pressure switch is closed giving power to the fill valve. When the pressure in the tube from the water rises to the set point the switch trips. This removes power to the fill valve and now gives power to the timer so it starts agitating.

Here is a link which should help you narrow it down
http://www.applianceaid.com/washers.html

Perhaps someone who has seen this exact problem will jump in and have an answer.

if it is the contacts what should I do next?

I would take a meter and check the pump contacts at the timer.
Unplug the unit.
Unplug the timer's connector
Measure across the contacts for resistance while manually turning it
They should open and close depending where in the cycle you are.
If they stay closed then at the very least you need a new timer.