Worried I don't know what I am doing

I have had 2 feral kits in the house since last week of November. They are now 7 months old. An organization gave me traps and they were trapped and spayed their first 24hrs here. Long story short, they've had a little trauma. They got out of their room once (my fault) and were trapped again by hand and put back in their room (a few days after they got here). We got up to the stage of some petting ok but still lots of hissing and just starting to play. I went away for the holidays and someone else came in to feed them and clean litter, give treats, pet if possible... On Jan 2nd upon my return, they were like I had never left so I felt it was time to graduate to the run of the house. I haven't been able to pet them much since. The basement is an open staircase to the apartment so they spend all day under the basement bed and come upstairs to eat around dinner time and sleep most of the night upstairs. They like to play with me but my goal is to socialize them enough so I can put them in a pen to go to an adoption fair. I can't afford to keep them and i don't want another infection from bites through trying to get them into a room or cage. It was traumatic for all of us. I don't know how to get to the next step but must admit they have come a long way. They come on my bed at night while I am sleeping on occasion just to check me out. They are starting to come when I call them like to wish them good morning before I step out of bed or to give them a treat. I made the mistake of using my hands for play. I didn't know that was bad. They seem to only associate me with food or play but not petting. One will purr even without petting. I don't expect them to be lap kitties but hope we can at least share gentle touches like rubbing against me or letting me pet them briefly outside of play. One lets me touch her paws but not anything else. I worry if I round them up for an adoption fair and they are not adopted, they will never trust me again.

First of all, thank you for helping them.  I know you are worried about getting them adopted but rushing things won't work.  You are making progress, believe it or not.

One thing you can do is use a back scratcher to scratch them with.  It allows you to be far enough away for them to be comfortable but close enough for you to pet them.  You can also try brushing them - most cats do enjoy that.

You can also try using a wand toy (daBird or something similar).  They can chase it and control how close they come to you.

You are correct about playing with your hands.  I did that with one of our cats and she still loves to attack me whenever I want to pet her.  Not good!

During quiet times, sit near them and read out loud.  It will get them used to your presence and your voice.