Do they have a good relationship with their landlord?

Not every agent understands investment real estate and they can lead you far astray.Know your numbers and dive into the forums and info on BP.Meet with a RE attorney to determine structure and get advice on the best place to start with your financial capability.Get a GREAT CPA to ensure your tax liabilities are minimized to the greatest degree.Find an INVESTMENT banker in your area and establish a solid relationship so when you find a deal they are willing to help you out.

I would think creating a lasting relationship with them would benefit you as an owner. 

Your relationship with your contractor is good to keep it that way.

But we would also like to be able to start building a relationship with the lender as real estate investors for any future investments. 

This property was brought to me because I had built a relationship with the wholesaler and he knows I buy small multi-family properties.

In that case, you will need to establish a relationship with someone that has boots on the ground whether it be an reputable agent or property manager that is familiar with the area.

What I wrote above does not create an attorney/client relationship between us.

I think establishing relationships would be step one.

A "land equity loan" will be difficult to find in any market cycle, but in this one, I can imagine it being harder, unless you have experience or a relationship.