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While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” Acts 10: 44-47

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Eph 1:13

Cornelius and company received the gift of the Holy Spirit BEFORE they were baptized. As we can see from Ephesians the Holy Spirit is our guarantee of our promise-not our baptism.

BTW-Some of the words Peter spoke were:

Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” Acts 10:43

No mention of baptism.

Baptism is clearly tied to the remission of sins(Acts 2:38),washing away sins(Acts 22:16) and putting on Christ(Galatians 3:27). If you believe that you can be saved before your sins have been remitted, before they have been washed away, and before you have put on Christ, then so be it. I, for one, believe that none of these things can be accomplished without baptism, since that is what the Bible teaches. If you don't agree, that is your right.

No mention of baptism.

You are quite right about that verse. However, to take up JK's point, there are verses that do link a necessity for baptism. We must deal with those.

No matter what we conclude, we cannot throw water baptism overboard.

It might not be a requirement for salvation, but it is presented as a necessary step.....We are told to baptize and believers are instructed to be baptized. I think submitting to baptism is a sign of believing in and submitting to Christ, and I think that refusal of baptism, when there is no unusual preventing circumstance,is sign that one has not really believed and submitted to their new Lord's instructions.