I am making progress, but not at the speed that I would like.

If your focus is on speed, (e.g. because the seller dosn´t want to wait or give a financing contingency) you might consider a hard/private money loan, since they usually can close way faster than a conventional bank loan.

@Tatyana Sherban Considerations are speed, imterest rate and other terms, hassle and complexty of getting loan, and in some cases probablity of getting loan. 

Apply for and receive from the IRS a notice of non-recognition of gain resulting in no withholding the FIRPTA amount.2.

How important are factors like high-speed internet, furnished common areas, security features, and in-unit laundry to these tenants?

I sold my San Jose rentals years ago so not up to speed on eviction laws.

It took me a letter, two phone calls, an in person meeting, and over an hour of explanation to get one of the previous homeowners up to speed.

However, if you find a particularly good deal, you could submit an offer with a financing contingency while simultaneously reaching out to lenders to speed up the process.

They value furnished common areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, security, in-unit laundry, and smart home technology.

I think it will help speed things up.I remember taking your class and you were talking about knowing the different from a vacant house and an abandoned house.