However, there is no specific holding period contained in the tax code or regulations and there is no "safe harbor." 

For the 10 year period spanning December 2014-2024, single-family prices in Austin nearly doubled, yielding an annualized appreciation rate of ~9.4% in that period.

I saved up the cash over a 2yr period.

Unfortunately, getting the insurer to extend coverage beyond the bathroom may be an uphill battle.

I’m an investor and the owner of a property management company based in Kokomo, with portfolios extending into the Indianapolis area.

You Open Escrow, deposit your Earnest Money Deposit and your due diligence period starts (unless otherwise written into the contract). 

If it is a credit/equity line, you could provide a lender letter that the funds are available immediately for funding - and cured any recission period. 

@Davis Barrow they didn't want to extend your rate lock because they wanted you to buy more expensive paper which is a bit unfortunate.

@Ryan Kelly mentions what is known as extended dwelling coverage.  

I keep a portfolio of photos in my arsenal - not posting all of them - but switching out a photo periodically as it can trigger your listing to move up the list when a change is made on some of the sites.