I was wondering are there any real estates investors, wholesalers, etc that are willing to meet with me and maybe build a nice relationship with to where I can work along side them.

I would also be investing alongside other investors.

Vacancy rate is probably an important metric to look at alongside DIA, as well as rate.I keep an eye on DIA but I wouldn't say it's a core indicator. 

this land is 3 acres, has a house on it already, and a road running alongside the long end of the plot...I don’t know anything about development, but I figured I’d ask all you experts here on BP.

Right now I am currently his Acquisition manager looking to become a partner along side him.

I would love to partner and work alongside a investor, to market through my small business with someone with experience in flipping and wholesaling homes.

They refer to themselves as "investing alongside of you and your home's potential appreciation" I won't go into details about the program and really only did a tiny bit of research when I first heard of them back when I was looking for a primary residence.Essentially they will give you up to a certain amount of cash without any debt payments in exchange for a percentage of the gain in your home.My thought was some folks who are looking for cash to invest but don't want to mess with Heloc's etc could use something like this to get the needed cash without adding additional monthly debt.

Otherwise if I was me I would build a relatively simple built-in adjustable shelf unit above and alongside the fireplace with veneer plywood and a simple face frame (using a kreg pocket hole jig), perhaps with a tv recess, and maybe dress up the mantle with some off the shelf moldings from HD. 

We both work a 9-5 and run several side businesses and a non for profit (alongside our 8 month old - Ava).

Along side the Architect would be a Civil engineer (very important in the beginning for site development, bring utilities onto the site and dealing with proper drainage), geotechnical engineer (for soil testing and borings which will help inform the structural engineer on what the land can physically support), structural engineer (for foundation design and code required bracing and support systems within your building), and a bunch more.