by Ken Task.
Would highly recommend a 64 bit box (database data chunks larger/faster).
CentOS 6.x is where I'd go ... latest/greatest 7.x has issues with repos providing what is needed for lots of commonly found items that make admin easier. Use webtatic repo with 6.x for PHP versions. Use remi or epel for MySQL versions.
Initially install versions of MySQL and PHP that meets the requirements of 2.8
https://docs.moodle.org/dev/Moodle_2.8_release_notes
Install initially Moodle 2.7.highest using git - makes updates/upgrades a heck of a lot easier.
https://docs.moodle.org/24/en/Git_for_Administrators
Check into configuring Postfix ... now default MTA over sendmail.
Consider installing Webmin to make admin of the box easier.
'spirit of sharing', Ken