But they've been of little use and apparently cannot help - an HSBC account in the USA will have no relationship with a NZ account.

I've purchased 2 properties in the past and we have a good working relationship but she's not completely versed in working with investors.

This is a great venue to form partnerships and great relationships. 

Probably way more risk than what any investor should take unless they are very experienced with long-term relationships in place to manage that risk.  

I'm new and have very few relationships with buyers - so I'm looking for insight.The question is, do I make an offer for a flip investor or for a buy and hold investor? 

That really depends on how many properties you're looking at, what your title relationship is like, and how comfortable you are looking at records yourself. 

I would like for this agent to be someone I could build a relationship and work together on future deals as well.

Don't like that at all, the partner junk.Saying a "partner" carries specific legal implications, your partner is not your lover or the guy you drink beer with or someone you hope will buy a house, a partner is one where you have a formal business relationship established prior to closing. 

Building my business, and building great relationships with great minds that think alike in this business.

Ultimately, I would hope to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship whereby vested interests are developed both personally and professionally. - Xavier Jefferson