Is there anything a homebuyer can do to speed things up?

I am referring to getting a buyer/lender to accept offer and the closing process (except for the obvious of making a full price offer). I didn't think we'd be able to buy a home this year, but only recently (im talkin the beginning of this month) discovered FHA loans and such, which makes being a homeowner a reality for us, and i realize time is of the essence!