SOLVED! Get this... the guy I bought it from gave me the QR code from the wrong box. I sent DJI a service request, and after a few messages back and forth they were able to look up my wifi MAC address. I ultimately gave them the serial number of the camera and the serial number of the wifi extender. They sent me back a new QR code today... and like magic, I'm fully connected! SWEET!!!
Thanks to all who volunteered their time here to work through all the possible troubleshooting steps with me!