Not sure what kind of friendship this is, but it sounds like there isn't much wiggle room for you to make any money without it meaning they go without something, which may sour the friendship, so keep that in mind.

But since we have a friendship now, he helps me A LOT.

You're always just one soured friendship (or one failed relationship, or one unexpected pregnancy) away from a broken lease.If the current owners have been in this property for a while, I can guarantee there are repairs that will need to be done.

Are you willing to ruin a good friendship?

And, the bonus is developing those connections and friendships. 

If you go down that road you are going to put your friendship in jeopardy, so you are better off just starting with strangers. 

Unlike a friendship gone bad or a family disagreement, what makes real estate so great is that it can forgive and forget.

I'm not questioning the friendship.

I'm wanting to find out if there is any one out there who would be willing to meet for coffee or lunch some time and enlighten me with there wisdom, experience and build a friendship along the way.

There are many partnerships that are made for the wrong reasons, such as friendship (LOL...no more comment on that one), relatives, fear, etc...