Ignored a loud tick… and now to rebuild in my apartment…

This isn't my first car, but it IS the first car I bought brand new off the lot.

Paid her off just a couple years ago and I absolutely refuse to let her die!

Currently dealing with catastrophic engine failure (EA888 Gen 3) and attempting my first ever engine rebuild… in my apartment. Yeah, you read that right.

The warning signs I ignored:

• Ticking noise for MONTHS (not the normal VW tick – this was MUCH louder)
• Should've pulled the valve cover right then… hindsight is 20/20
• Downshifted in traffic one day and BOOM – smoke show
• Complete power loss

Current situation:

• Front end completely removed (see pic)
• Found coolant mixed with oil (forbidden milkshake)
• Spark plug looks like it went through war
• Damage estimate from shop: $8,000+
• My solution: DIY rebuild (strong enough for 500-600whp) for ~$5000

Not giving up on this car. She's been too good to me to let one catastrophic failure end it all.

Anyone else rebuilt an EA888.3? Any tips for a first-timer? Already ordered a hoist and stand and watching every YouTube video I can find. I plan to have a machine shop do the shortblock.

Update: Currently documenting the whole process if anyone wants to follow along and learn from my mistakes! First video here!