Is it too early in the development stages to invest?

Regarding your dilemma, I would first make sure that if you plan to buy and hold (which is what I would recommend if the property cash-flows properly) I would make sure that new leases aren't being put together now locking you in for another year at those rates. 

If anyone can shed light on what he meant or how to structure these properly, I'd greatly appreciate it. 

However, I'm also very self-aware and borderline obsessed with personal development.

Some turn out be very good developers.

Why do you think developers spend millions to build shopping malls and then open them up with balloons, giveaways, and coupons? 

I just pulled up and printed the "Palm Desert Economic Development Strategic Plan" which is a strategic framework for the next 5~10 years.

If you are serious about owning a rental property business then take the time to create policies and procedures along with proper structure before you even think of buying a home.

They had a mayor that was against development and growth from what the Economic development office told us.

Even with the change to the NOO STR laws in Nashville, there are approved zoning developments that will allow you to continue to invest in those areas.