Newlywed rookies close-ish to first purchase

My husband and I are approximately 6-12 months out from executing on our first real estate purchase. We have about 1/3 to 1/2 of a down saved at the moment, have a 755 Credit score, and are feeling good. We plan to spend the next 6-12 months continuing to earn and save, as well as nail down a final market we want to househack in. I have a few questions. What would be your 6-12mo out to do list? What are some important pieces we need to be working on now that we may not have thought of? Do any of you invest or have contacts in the Salt Lake City area or North Idaho? Potentially interested in surrounding markets. Thanks for any and all advice and thoughts! We also love podcasts so if any specific episode of the BP shows come to mind let me know!