When all else fails. Alchohol always helps. So make that first date a bar / somewhere you can drink. Also logistically planning it close to your own house makes a big difference. Can always offer to give her a drive home but make a quick stop upstairs before you do.

Personally for me I'm fine with if things progress to sex on the 3rd date. I just keep the first couple dates pretty low investment on my part. But this depends on the context of where you met. If it was a nightclub your might have progressed further on first meeting. Whereas daygame takes a little more time.