I've never used hard money and got a quote from a company who was recommended to me, and I would like to establish a good relationship with them.

Paul, Relationships are everything in this business.

I would rather work with a seasoned FC trustee that has a relationship with my servicer.

I'd like to network and establish relationships with other real estate investors that I can work with and learn from.

Cultivate a good relationship so that you can learn from their experience. 

With the potential for more properties from the owner as he liquidates his inventory, would you take a lesser "deal" now for maybe a "good one" down the road when more trust is built in the relationship?

My short term goals are to 1) establish a working relationship with home flippers in the area and to cater to their needs profit wise  2) Help motivated sellers quickly get out of what can be a bind.

I have a really good relationship with my bank though. 

You are honest that you plan on sub-leasing to a buyer, but your relationship with the seller is that YOU are the leasee and tenant buyer.  

Someday, I would like to apprentice with a Full time investor, but I'm looking for "just the right one".( Finding the right person to learn from is a whole different relationship, and I want to do it the right way!