I see what you're saying creating urgency without saying negative words!

Charging for a bid becomes the income and detracts from someone competing with a little more urgency to win the bid.

I started looking for houses (seriously) in the Bronx about 2 months ago, but always keep an eye on the market.  I am looking for a 3 family, and inventory is insanely low.  My realtor and mortgage guy are suggesting ...

Them 5% bonus for ending on time, 5% penalty for being one week late, an additional 5% penalty for anything after that.Create Accountability through paying a bonus:This works because it creates urgency and it also gives the contractor a chance to revise their commitments before agreeing to them.

That way people will still see others looking so it will create a sense of urgency if they like the apartment.   

The slight increase might give some people a sense of urgency (that were on the fence before) to buy a home before rates go up further, not sure.

Also, sometimes units don't rent until the middle of the month when the sense of urgency kicks in.

Prioritize them based on urgency, impact, or alignment with long-term objectives.d.

Don't let urgency develop you as an investor.As a matter of fact I'd recommend that you take a full year to make your next move. 

Your urgency and frustration tells me you're struggling in all the right ways to get this first deal done as best you can!