When I checked their reviews, I first started with the negatives ones and they were similar to the ones found on Reddit.

Quote from @Khyree Randall: I'm about to start working again soon and I'm ready to start investing in getting my first deal.

What is the standard process from start to finish so we can eliminate as much risk as possible?

I'll start there! 

I just don't want to start working with a realtor and waste time and end up with no real solid prospects for buying.

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'll start with the largest learning curve. 

Will Investor Edge allow us to see a Demo b4 paying the $4000 to get started They will, but the demo is basically a white labeled Prop stream.

However, when STOA first started going down the tank, they were negotiating with me on interest because selling them on MLS was a different entity at that time.  

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.