You will learn multitudes more by active experience (whether this be UW, broker relationships, capital raising, etc) vs. listening to podcasts and reading books.

If you don't have a contractor in the area, find a real estate agent that you build a relationship with that can give you referrals. 

We have a good relationship with our bank and had letters and everything else to prove the bank was ok with wholesaling, purchase price, etc... 

I know team members don't necessarily have to be on my payroll, would it be appropriate to seek out professionals and 'pre-create' a relationship with them before launching into my first project? 

My partner and I have been here for 5 years and I was thinking it might be a good idea to do a Lease Purchase considering we already live here and have a stable relationship with the owner. 

If the relationship is civil, I recommend you start by having a conversation that explains that you will be proceeding with an eviction (research the eviction process) and that an eviction will result in it being very difficult for the tenant to rent a nice home for years.  

I personally don't recommend this until you are more experienced because one bad deal can ruin the partnership and your relationship with that individual (and maybe more);3.

Priced slightly below the market.Prospective tenants: Completely tatted nurse, her boyfriend who has "his own business making lots of money" and his 3 children from  previous relationship(s).

Can someone help to recommend a great bank relationship that they currently have in PA to do our lending/refinancing for our first BRRR deal? 

It's long-term business arrangement that gets easier for both client and agent over time as your relationship develops and you get to know each other's habits and preferences.