Too many checkpoints and decision-makers is all PITA.  

It is not like borders between states are controlled with big and beautiful walls and tremendous checkpoints.

I’m positioning myself to do my first flip when I find the right deal and I’m wondering what tactics and strategies many of you use in your rehabs to transition from one check point to the next. 

I stress just as an extra checkpoint but certainly not the place from which to make a decision.

Order and receive an appraisal within XX days.Receive a loan commitment from lender within XX days (or XX days prior to closing).Final funding approval XX days before closing.There may be other "checkpoints" - you need to know your contract inside and out.Finally, to answer your other question: Yes, mortgage lenders will provide a pre-approval letter for an investment property.

Before you get caught blindsided, be sure to evaluate permits and other legal regulations that will be financial and process checkpoints if you were to develop the property.

Every business has a mission statement or set of core values. ...Identify checkpoints for goals. ...Surround yourself with the right people.

Things pile up fast, and if you skip a day of tracking progress, you can get confused quickly.Also, define very specific checkpoints in your projects, and track budgets, schedule and quality to those checkpoints. 

I've been able to help members in my group with their goals and they have challenged me to actually do what I feel uncomfortable doing in order to meet my goal check points.

This has lead to what feels like my first checkpoint / gut check / challenge.