You had it right first.
- Lessor
The owner of the asset or property that is being leased out. The lessor grants the lessee the right to use the asset or property in exchange for regular payments.
- Lessee
The party that rents or leases the asset or property from the lessor. The lessee is granted the right to use the asset or property for a specified period of time in exchange for regular payments.
It takes time to develop the property. So and owner (Lessor) can do two things. Rent it for market value on short term lease. OR let it sit vacant.
Rent might be a lot less than mortgage payments. But better than nothing.