Was Shirdi a significant place even before Sai Baba's return with Chand Patil's group?

Yes, Chapter 5 of the Shri Sai Satcharitra indicates that Shirdi had spiritual significance even before Sai Baba's famous return. The text explicitly mentions that before Baba, the 'gem,' was found again within the Muslim wedding party, other saints had already made Shirdi their home. Specifically, it notes that a saint named Devidas was already established in Shirdi. It also mentions that another holy man, Janakidas Gosavi, came to live in Shirdi as well. This suggests that Shirdi was a place that attracted spiritual figures prior to it becoming synonymous with Sai Baba.