Wow. I am envious and impressed. You sound like you're viewing it all with clear focus and an uninterrupted view. Good for you!
This whole process really does take time, so the slower you work towards R, the better off you'll be when it comes to M.
I'm resigned to it taking several years - if it ever does resolve. But I cannot say the time I plan to take for myself with be a waste. There's are so many things I want to do. Life is so much simpler when there is onl ne schedule to look at.
Have fun at the sales! I hope you find something quite epic.