You can get something that's turnkey or new construction at this price point, and most importantly, there's a strong tenant base ready to rent out these homes.

I would consider selling, i’m not necessarily saying you should, BUT only hold if you have a very strong belief in the appreciation of this property. 

If you hold for 2 years then sell, I feel very strongly that you will do well. 

I understand that at my age, focusing on properties with strong equity growth potential (even if cash flow isn't immediate) is a solid strategy.

There is a legit chance of a loss of initial investment.  

Its affordability, ongoing revitalization initiatives, and strong rental market contribute to its appeal.

As for the initial post, I would ask a few questions to shed some guiding light.

This city continues to grow and evolve, making it a strong choice for real estate investment.

With 30 years of residential construction experience and having built several homes in the past few years, I bring a strong foundation in project execution and quality craftsmanship.Right now, I’m seeking lenders to help me unlock home equity for property acquisitions and to expand my portfolio.

Yes, you can expand (and SBA has some great options for that), but the basis for a strong expansion is really understanding how the business works.