Sign a purchase agreement with escrow conditioned on visa issuance, deposit the funds, prepare the file and apply at the consulate, then close after the visa issues. Starting the source-of-funds chronology early is what keeps the sequence short; a rushed trace is the usual cause of delay.
Escrow first, visa second, closing last
The order protects the money. Negotiate the agreement so that the price sits in escrow with release tied only to visa issuance; that satisfies the commitment rule without exposing the couple to owning a marina they cannot enter to run. While escrow is funded, assemble the business and funds evidence, prepare the plan, and book the consular appointment.
Interview wait times vary by post and season and should be checked when the timeline is set. After issuance, close and take over. Because marinas are seasonal, aim to have the visa in hand before the spring opening; a purchase agreed in late summer with an autumn consular date gives the winter to complete the transfer.
If the consulate asks for more evidence, an escrow with a long outside date avoids a forced renegotiation with the seller. Renewals and future admissions each require the business to remain real and operating, so the plan should look past the first two years.