AP Boutique/AD for new customers? Please help!

[Sg6067]

Hello all,
Looking for some advise! I have a milestone birthday coming up (at the end of May) and I was hoping to celebrate with the purchase of my first AP. Here are my questions;
1. Could any of you recommend a boutique or SA that works with new customers? My problem is that I do not live close to any of the boutiques so it’s difficult to visit in person. The closest to me would be NYC, but that’s a 6 hour drive... I’ve tried calling to speak with an SA but they have not returned my calls or email. The second closest is the East Hampton boutique, from which I did receive a vague email reply inviting me to visit the store in person. They could just be overly busy because of the holidays, but I can’t help but feel ignored. I wouldn’t want to make the trip to one of these boutiques without knowing they had a watch available I could potentially purchase.
2. What entry level watches are actually available for purchase as a new customer? I’ve been reading this forum for long enough to know it’s not possible to ask for a SS RO (which would be my first choice) and that anything blue is off limits without prior purchase history. I do not have an unlimited budget so I was hoping to stay in the 20-30k range. I have not seen one in person but my first impression, based on the pictures online, is that I’m not a fan of the code watches. I have a 6.5” flat wrist, for reference I have a subc that I daily wear and I’m fine with the size. Does anyone have an AP reference they would suggest?
3. I would prefer to purchase new however I’m starting to wonder if my best option would be to purchase a second hand SS RO?

I know this was a long post so thanks for reading! Thanks so much for any an all replies!