Are there specific texts recommended for group study or Parayan to connect with Sai Baba's life and build a following?

Yes, the provided information strongly recommends a specific text for this purpose. While brief biographies exist in works by poets like Shri Dasganu Maharaj, they are noted as not being comprehensive enough for a detailed Parayan or Saptah. As detailed in Chapter 0, the preeminent work for connecting with Shri Sai Baba is the Shri Sai Satcharita, written by Annasaheb Dabholkar. This book is described as a sweet, inspirational, and grace-filled biography. It is specifically identified as one of only two major, detailed Guru biographies in Maharashtra suitable for Parayans, making it the central text for a community wishing to study and honor Sai Baba's life.