I still have a good relationship with the bank so if they allow me to do the 10% down then I believe my HELOC would be able to cover that along with the repairs.

My question is how I can keep contact with these people in the mean time to keep that relationship, or if I would be fine just getting back in touch with them at that time when I'll be actively looking?

And so I echo some of what has been stated by others, try them out first and see if you have a quality working relationship. 

BiggerPockets is amazing for meeting new people and building relationships.

While I certainly want to learn to do things right, I also want to provide value to a mentor so that it is a mutually beneficial relationship.

If you want to establish long term relationships and just do business right by people, don't do this.It sounds like your realtor contacts already know that they are limited in what they can do for you.

But seeing red flags now and feel business relationships is damaged. 

I have good relationships with my vendors and was able to get it for only 82 cents/sf.The sweat I put in to the tasks that I was able to handle myself, allowed me to invest the saved capital into the mechanics and bones of the house (foundation, new roof, new plumbing, HVAC, etc.) and allowed me to get slightly nicer finishes than I would have put into any other investment property I wasn't intending on living in.The goal with this property was longevity, since I will be holding onto it in perpetuity. 

How long did it take for you to get a good enough relationship with your commercial bank to back a deal like this?

My goal is to find lasting relationships while building a positive reputation in the area as I launch my RE investing career.If you are a knowledgeable investor in the area and need someone to research, help with maintenance projects, prospect etc.