So I figured my draw length to be approx 26.5". If I wanted a bow rated at 45lbs but all the bows are rated at 45 lbs at 28", would I have to buy a bow rated say 50 lbs at 28" to get 45 lbs at my 26.5" draw length? Or am I just barking up the wrong tree all together?

It would need to be more than 45 but likely less than 50 to get 45 at 26.5. The boyer for a custom bow should have that knowledge. Some people say that you lose about 2-3 lbs per inch, but that is only an estimate.

Depending on the bow, but assuming that in general bows gain 3 lbs per inch of draw, yes you would need to buy a bow that is marked around 49 or 50 @ 28.

Probably best to buy a bow marked 45@26 but that may be harder to find, and you won't see a huge difference in perfomace with either bow.

I also draw 26.5". Generally a 50#@28" will get you close. Either that or go to one of the new ILF hunting rigs which will give you around 5# of adjustment.