I don't trust where the economy is going. So I'm trying something new.

I have lowered my 10% of salary 401k monthly investment at my salaried, secure job by about half. I've taken out a personal loan for 25k that has a payment that roughly equals that same amount. I then purchased a distressed property outright- 15K land / property purchase with 10k left to start a major reconstruction. After about a year of work, I will take out a mortgage on the property, pay off the personal loan and have about $30k (conservatively) remaining to complete my build. By the conclusion of 2 years I expect the construction to be complete and the property will be sold. I'll have made monthly payments that total well under $15K for two years of monthly loan payments and anticipate selling for somewhere in the $150k area. This obviously doesn’t count my labor. Worth note: I live in Maine, the property is in northern Maine. I chose/found a river-front property with working septic and water. Home will be small- but not quite a tiny home. I am an electrical engineer by trade with over 30 years in the construction industry- I am very much personally capable of all the work required, soup to nuts. Personally, this seems like a better use of my 401k investments- at least for now. Thoughts?