Your financial situation (income, assets, tax bracket, etc.) is a huge determining factor in what's the best course of action. 

Find someone who has accomplished this and then mirror their actions.    

Hello, I've finally decided to take "action" and start this journey.

What is my best course of action to ensure I get the mortgage by mid July (month and a half)?

I considered looking in more affordable markets but the possibility of not seeing my project on a daily basis scared me.Fast forward two years, I had still taken no action.

The only time I have seen landlords place questionable tenants is if there is no other action on the property and it is a low income area.If a property sits vacant in those areas for too long they can steal everything out of the unit an strip out all electrical and plumbing.

And shows what can be done if you just take action.

Here's a great first article. https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/12/17/actionable-steps-reach-investing-goals/

You need to send a good mail piece (something compelling that calls to action), that stands out from the rest and gets your phone to ring. 

I am building a checklist and points of contact from all the post, building an action plan.