I took a beat up Trek MTB from 1990 and built it up with XT components and new wheels a few years ago and I'd put that bike up against anything I could buy for twice the price. It ran just under $500, but with front/rear new wheels with a dynamo hub in front. This was 5 years ago and it still runs like new, especially after a new chain. And like the OP, I'm a NYC rider so I have the same conditions. I did all of the work myself including the wheels, and the wheels are also still like new and never needed even a tweak of truing.

I also built up my road bike with a complete transfer from my crashed frame. The wheels also needed work.

I'd be willing to help but I have a pretty busy schedule over the next month, and you'd have to come to Brooklyn. I have a lot of tools but not a truing stand and don't find that completely necessary anyway, and I'm certainly not a pro just a DIYer.