It sounds like you're looking for a shortcut here to make some quick money. 

They will focus on volume, not quality.Stop with the shortcuts.

When a property goes REO with a bank or large hedgefund, it typically goes through an established process and there's really no way to shortcut it unless you know someone on the inside.

Just remember, there are no secrets and shortcuts in real estate investing, just slow and steady progress.

I would like to properly weave the planks together by removing the short (cut) pieces from the existing floor.

There are no shortcuts here.

People who try to take short cuts usually get into big problems.

People who try to take short cuts usually end up with even bigger problems.

What like save me time and point me in the right direction or tell me short cuts?

Regarding showing the apartment, there is no real short cut - reach out to the current owner and get contact information for the tenant; get days & times that work for showings and then advertise showings at those times.I hope this helps!!!