Q.Unhealthy looking aloe vera
I have few aloe vera plants. They are in small pots and in the last 8-12 months they haven’t looked very happy at all. They are rather dark brown instead of the gorgeous green. I have tried watering them less and I have tried placing them in different points in my yard for different amounts of sun. However, this hasn’t stopped them from shooting either. I started with one pot and have now progressed to 4 pots, one rather large plant and the rest are smaller.

I believe your Aloe Vera plants are over watered.
I would make some adjustments to the soil, the soil should be of a cactus type planting material.
The soil should dry completely before each watering.
Here is a link that will help refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/aloe-vera-plant-care.htm