Welcome!
That is so good you already have a friend on Steemit, There is SOOOO much to learn!!
Wow! You wrote a very long introduction....too long for me, but others may enjoy that alot! I did read 2/3 of it and hope Steemit is the platform for you. It may be hard getting started, but go be kind and make friends in the PAL network on the Discord application. Search Minnowsupport and discord and PAL and you can find it. It is very valuable!!
Also...please read all the information and rules FIRST when you get there. It will answer most or all of your early questions. I'm over there sometimes!
Best to you,
Peace!! ✌