I'm just not seeing any strategy that can offset to any significant degree, the depreciating nature of either asset.  

Of course it isn't going to work for everyone...then again, I also have many friends with degree's that cost them 6 digits that cannot get a job in their field!

I'd rent first to be sure I'm going to stay. 105 degrees to 115 is normal May to October in Scottsdale and no Puget Sound 

I am a 23 year old who recently graduated from college with a business degree focusing on real estate finance and development.

So your results will be a degree lower than local investors. 

The lease language requires the interior of the building to heat to 70 degrees.

They must keep the temperature at a minimum of 50 degrees F.

Still dry but -20 degrees means this makes a good way to keep things warm with little energy.Here is a builder in Durango, CO - https://www.formworksbuilding.com/

I am a current Senior at Catholic University of America playing Baseball and finishing up ny accounting degree.

My 2 cents: You're young, you could get a real estate or real estate adjacent 9-5 so you can get paid to to learn more about real estate while learning and building the side hustle outside of business hours.Seems like you live in a major US market so that's a plus, you could get a tenant services coordinator job in commercial real estate making $40-60k (not sure if that's more or less than what you are making now) It's an Entry level role, anyone with a degree and a polished resume and a passion for real estate should have a decent shot at landing a job like this.