My advice would be to start small with your first deals to gain experience before scaling up.

These guru courses are almost always started by people who are, themselves, trying to get into the syndication business.  

Talking with my partner, we started to talk think through worst case scenarios & options we’d have if it doesn’t get rented in several months. 

As you're just starting out in Austin, focus on learning the local market, particularly areas with good rental demand and lower entry prices.

Hi Allen, when I got started, I used a 3% down conventional loan to buy my first property.

Scott as a starting reference.

8 in 24 months is no joke, especially chipping away one at a time, I'm sure it has come with plenty of teachable moments, but its awesome that you are able to ask the question of how to scale.To start, a hard money lender that is only allowing you to do one at a time with your track record is... well... kind of silly.

I'm now aware of any "lifetime" limits for FHA loans, but you're required to live in the property for at least 1 year after the loan starts.

I would start there and then see if they are worth the shot! 

There's no real wrong answer to your question, but the right answer starts with you figuring out what general direction you want to aim in.