Quick update: tried a new ESC and the motor still acted the same. Broke out the balsa support piece behind the motor and pulled the motor out. Clamped the wire and connector in place for each phase of the motor 1 at a time and re-soldered each of the motor leads into its respective connector. Connected the motor to the ESC. Turned on the transmitter and added a battery. Throttled up and the motor has tons of power!
The problem was at least one of the motor leads had a cold solder joint at the connector pin. Looking forward to finally flying this thing if it every stops raining!!