Digital learning platforms (DLPs) can transform educational research by serving as infrastructure that bridges the gap between practice and research. This white paper examines the progress of DLPs in SEERNet, a multi-year initiative funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), which aims to advance research infrastructure. Through coordinated efforts among platform developers, researchers, and practitioners, SEERNet members have addressed both expected and emerging challenges. The paper seeks to support others who are seeking to share platform data with researchers by clarifying the range of requirements. Some requirements were expected; others were emergent. Expected requirements, such as enhancing platform data capabilities, enabling experimental research designs, and protecting data privacy, have focused on technical improvements to support scalable and rigorous research. Emerging needs included the creation of standardized workflows, development of researcher outreach strategies, and establishment of templates for institutional review board (IRB) approvals and data-sharing agreements. In addition, fostering a peer review community attuned to the unique affordances and constraints of DLP-based research has emerged as a shared priority. This working paper reflects on lessons learned from SEERNet's efforts, highlighting innovations in data documentation, experimental workflows, and collaborative relationship building.