However, if short-term rentals are no longer allowed or become less viable, I’m prepared to switch to long-term rentals.Funding the entire construction at once is a challenge, so I'm exploring the best strategy.

@Sven ZimmermannTo prepare for investing, define your investment strategy, research your market, understand financing options, network with experienced investors, and take next steps.

From a tax perspective only, putting your property into an LLC may cause your tax preparation bill to go up due to new filing requirements for a single member LLC.

Focus on properties that align with your financial independence goals and be prepared for market fluctuations.Your strategy of balancing cash flow with capital appreciation while aiming for financial independence is sound.

When you go to refinance, no lender is going to offer much better than 65-75% LTV, which means under the best scenario you'll be $27,500 short in repaying your lenders.Are you financially prepared to make up the difference?

Be sure to use a CPA each year to prepare your taxes for you.

Then if you want to take one down yourself, you'll be much better prepared.  

Create a network, prepare for the future, and conduct extensive due diligence on properties.

I don't think you qualify for a 1031. owning a property your mother lives in doesn't seem to meet the held for investment test necessary. 

Another way to approach this is to prepare a written early termination agreement to be signed by the tenant, wherein the tenant agree to vacate by a date certain and to comply other terms (e.g. paying early termination fee or an agreed upon amount if there is no early termination fee provided for in the lease).