I’m temped to order an appraisal this month, or does that seem like over kill and do you recommend I sit back and trust the real estate process?

I did get my GC license which in Oregon is all law so it was simple test for me. so now here we sit 500 or so spec / pre solds later and well its been a wild ride..

I would sit tight and save some more.

@Kevin Sobilo I was speed reading and wasn't actually looking for a perfect analog but your assessment doesn't sit well with me either. 

There are countless short-term rentals sitting empty there. 

@Moshe S., It might be even more complicated than you think. 

Focus on properties where you can force appreciation—those sitting on MLS too long might not be the right fit.

What @Jay Hinrichs said - I always preach on here that it is far better to have your place sit empty than to have a bad, or even dubious tenant.

The only way to justify the work is by having meat on the bone.  

Not to mention over the course of those 3 years (or however long) your $1,000 a month hasn't just been sitting in a savings account losing value - it's been buying assets for you that create income, while still helping you accomplish your long term goal of buying real estate.