Before I am able to fund a deal myself, what should come first?

Congrats it sounds like you're off to a great start in a short period.Where are you finding all these deals and how are you funding them?

Hard money scenario that size, you either need to a) find a mortgage broker that'll do you a solid and send it to a HML that she sends a bunch of business to, who will do her a favor, or b) private funding.

Current situation:So I don't have much funds but I do work a part time job and have few side hustles that I try to generate any extra income.

Funding up to 80% ltv.

The problem is a lot of lenders were skiddish because they saw property values falling, so what was a 75% LTV at closing could (theoretically) become 95% LTV 6-12 months later.

Should I use savings, retirement funds or conventional lending? 

Where the turnkey guys do all their normal stuff but you are funding it all upfront.

If you subsequently need to rehab or need funds for major maintenance expenses, then funds would be available assuming you didn't max out the HELOC. 

I've caught the bug, and I'm starting to get real creative with getting funding.