Yes, it's obvious, but it's also very easy to lose sight of that when you're new to real estate and trying to get your first deal.

Basing any offer around the asking price is short-sighted and narrow-minded.  

Sight unseen 1 acre likely will not yield 5 lots once you factor out road, right of way, utility easement, storm water management.

No long term in sight back then!  

A general principle is that you don't have to "reset" your intent clock if all you do is change entitlements. 

So not quite the same but very similar principles. 

However, there definitely has been more short notice bookings this year so I am hopeful it’ll fill in somewhat .Our rental near Disney hasn’t fared as well, it’s been slow with no end in sight .

If I were in your position I think I would spend a few hundred bucks on biscuits from Fixe or Tiff's Treats and go door-to-door with anyone would has an sight-line or would be bothered by construction. 

I am looking for some advice on if I should make extra payments per month specifically towards the principle of my mortgage.

It would stand to reason that the seller would think that because they're agreeing to carry the loan that they would then ask in return that the buyer won't try to renegotiate the sale price, but perhaps that's short-sighted thinking?