@Alex Washburn makes really good points - the process is definitely not easy. 

I filled out the paperwork immediately and had it turned in within 24 hours, with time to spare for the 72-hour funding window.Thursday came, and no funding.

Paid the realtor to complete the tenant screening and both units were eventually filled. 

This process has been working really well for me.

With regard to renovations, I always suggest taking incremental steps to bigger renovations or partnering with someone who has already done a renovation at that level.I've been known to just go for the big rehabs for my personal investments here in Chicago , and during that process, it's always more stressful than it needs to be...As far as navigating the competition, I've found the best thing I can do is get EXTREMELY CLEAR  on what I am looking for; then I am confident pulling the trigger quicky. 

Turns out the Seller's agent and the escrow agents were really nasty to the bank throughout the whole process.

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?

Would love to hear your process!

No reason for me to go the through the hassle of the sale process unless there is some type of gain which the investor is open to and this is where I need the advice.

Implement documented repeatable processes to reduce errors and improve service levels.By being efficient, and cutting some of your costs you can hire better talent with the leftover cash.