Realistically you would expect the house to continue to appreciate during that time as well... even if at 3.33% appreciation - that is another $50,000 in appreciation you would make in the 3 years - give or take.  

Just as expectations were too high for Tampa a few years ago, I believe that as supply and weather continue to pummel prices in Tampa, that the pendulum will swing too far the other way.

For the contractors, there are always going to be ones that have you already saying yes to stuff and will just continue to send crazy change orders, and when they do that is when you stop the project and go elsewhere. 

It will likely still continue being a difficulty.You mentioned bills, are they credit card bills?

Stay striving and continue to stay curious!

Would it be wiser to sell and take the loss now rather than continue dealing with this financial burden and uncertainty?

However, it's a safe bet that these respective areas will continue to appreciate steadily for the reasons noted.

Honestly I have loved it and we are working to continue to growing.

Talk to house hackers because that would be a great way to start, but you are also advanced with money so you may find smarter options that act more like index funds (syndications).

However, the broader structural issues of affordability, housing supply, and financing access will continue to shape the market in the years ahead.For now, the homebuying process remains a challenge for many in this generation.