I think we may be heading in the wrong direction with Network Manager.  
As I mentioned in another note, the WiFi NIC doesn't even show up with 
ifconfig or ip commands, though it does if I boot a rescue system.

That really reads like a missing driver; can you verify what driver is in use
for the card when you boot a rescue system and ensure the non-rescue system has
the same driver available and loaded?

I was working w/ a new RTL8852au adapter last night and was sad to see NOTHING
displayed for it via `ip a` until I google searched a few things based off the
model name and happened upon Larry's work for that driver. Now things are
working as they should after a few commands 👍️