Advice from brothers and sisters who held on until marriage

Assalamu alaikum everyone, this is my first post here. I’m a brother with a steady job, alhamdulillah, working as a software developer and doing freelance plus contract work on the side. I’ve been saving for marriage mostly to get an apartment or build a house someday. There’s a sister I knew from university. Her mother used to ask me to look out for her when we traveled home together, so that’s how we got to know each other. I caught feelings for her early on-she’s incredibly kind, soft-hearted, keeps a small circle, avoids big crowds, and wears hijab. Back then I’d help her study, and by the time I finished I was top of my class. Over time my feelings grew stronger, and eventually I told her how I felt, but I asked her to put it aside until I could formally approach her family. She agreed, may Allah bless her. That was years ago. The thing that’s held me back is that her family is wealthier than mine. Alhamdulillah my family is okay, but not on the same level. I also wanted to own a home first, but with today’s economy that’s almost impossible. I’ve managed to save around $40k through savings and investments, but it doesn’t get you far these days. Lately I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed. I’m scared that desires might lead me toward something haram-not with her, of course-but I fear falling into sin like going to bad places or similar. The odd part is I genuinely try to stay firm in my deen. I spend a lot of time learning about Islam, reading fiqh, and honestly I don’t know why these feelings are hitting this hard. I try not to be alone too much. I only go out when necessary, I lower my gaze, I avoid looking at women, and I get straight back home after whatever I need to do. I don’t watch movies or anything with unnecessary exposure. Yet I still feel this pressure inside. I know it’s likely normal for my age and hormones, but I’m just tired. How do I handle this? I truly want to marry this sister, care for her in a halal way, and stay loyal. Sometimes the emotions get so intense I end up crying because I feel like I’m losing control. I even distanced myself from some friends since they constantly objectified women in their talk, and I didn’t want that to rub off on me. In my free time I cook, take care of my plants, play chess, and do boxing. I hit the gym now and then. I keep myself busy mostly, and I’m trying to start a business too. I read about how our Prophet ﷺ and the Sahabah treated their families, and I do charity when I can. Please make du’a that Allah keeps me firm. I really like the person I’m becoming. I want to give my love to only one person and keep improving for her. There’s no contact between me and the sister-I only have her parents’ number and know where they live. The only barrier is wanting to be a bit more stable financially. I’m also scared everything could crumble, that I’d lose what I’ve worked for and it would affect her life. I don’t want to bring her into a situation where I can’t provide or give her the security her father has given her. Jazakum Allahu khayran for reading, and may Allah make it easy for everyone seeking marriage.