How can I check to see if the permits are really taking so long because of the city, or if he's been slow about following up on their requests?

Should I just slow down?

Also, do you find that you need to call those leads within 5 minutes to convert it to a client, or if are a little slow on the follow up have you still been successful converting them?

You might not be able to because they're super slow.  

We might not fully process an application for a number of reasons: the applicant withdraws their application; there is something that came up in the interview or on the application which indicates they do not meet our minimum criteria to rent; we already chose another applicant.

@Erjon HoxhaInvesting in real estate in the U.S.A. does not affect your eligibility to withdraw funds from your RRSP to purchase your residence.As for your other questions, give BP a quick search.  

I currently have little to no cash to put down as a down payment and I'm worried that will slow me down.

Kind of considering withdrawing money from my 401k to pay off my auto loan faster.

What's really slowing us down is the fact that we do this work remotely from Toronto, Canada.

I just read elsewhere that Las Vegas is up 13% on foreclosures from this time last year....however sales are also higher than last year...we are not seeing anytime type of slow down in the lower priced market.