Is a GREAT turntable under $2000 possible???

a little over but a great sounding system,
technics sl 1200gr
lehmann black cube statement
orotfon quintet bronze  

the only thing that worked (for me) to eliminate static was to wet clean new LPS (and used of course) and store them in an anti-static sleeve (e.g. mofi sleeves).
currently using this one- and it works great.
a little bit of a hassle but a decent routine- have a beer and clean a batch of new LPs.
I never have a static issue after they are cleaned- even in the cold north during winter months. something about neutralizing the initial static in the vinyl with the wet clean.

https://www.amazon.com/Record-Doctor-Cleaning-Machine/dp/B00BEIC3DO

excellent!  the record dr is a great machine and a big value.  don't forget some mofi anti-stat sleeves!  

hi brent, hope things are sounding great!
just a few comments about some of your questions-
some LPs can sound crackly even after being cleaned- but very few. if you have lots of LPs that sound noisy something in the cartridge setup might be off- possibly VTA too high?  
groove glide- don’t have a need for it.
i use this to quickly clean the LP before setting the tonearm down-
https://www.lpgear.com/product/AT6012.html

it’s the best brushing device I have ever used and tried them all. takes a little work but it does remove all dust etc. prior to a spin. i just rotate the LP by hand while using the brush.

also i use this cleaner ~ once a week or so for the stylus- some gunk just cannot be removed with the brush alone. a bottle of this has lasted 2 years and it’s still nearly full!

peace and happy listening!
https://www.lpgear.com/product/AT0607.html