It took 6 months of market research (you won't reinvent the wheel), 2 months to build spreadsheets (analysis paralyze), 6-7 house tours (leverage a local RE agent), and 30 days to close with a conventional loan. 

Problem working with regular buyers is you take them all over the place and can only take one out a weekend at a time unless using a bus tour,etc.I focus on commercial and not residential but I know it pretty well.

In addition, there will be a ton of high school seniors coming to campus Jan-March to tour campus etc to decide if they would like to attend etc. 

I'd suggest scheduling a tour with each company and deciding which one fits you best.

I was aware of not being able to tour prior to most foreclosure auctions. 

This is why it is sometimes worth your while to delay your tours until you have several lined up over a weekend, and let parties know you'll be making a decision at the end of the weekend.

I toured some apartments in August and there were multiple uhuals parked out front.

In MN, where it's really normal for a tenant to tour 10, 20, 30 units before selecting one and getting it, yikes $500. 

Attractive digital marketing fliers, 3d tours, professional tours, rent specials, and competitive pricing all help too!

Narrow the list down then, last step is make the time and go tour them.