Need CEX/DEX Advice

I am in Texas so I was never able to use Binance. Always used Coinbase and KuCoin. KuCoin w/ VPN that is. For the last month I've been trying to figure out how to buy alts that aren't on Coinbase without hemorrhaging money to eth gas fees.

The problem with a Dex/Swap: If I buy $100 in VRA on a swap I have to pay about $6.50 right now in gas fees. (This nonsense is what keeps people on CEXs btw.)

Secondary problem: I live in TX. I used KuCoin to buy BNB to move to TrustWallet to get Binance chain coins. I have NO idea how to get BNB now.

My 3 questions:

1. I have heard horror stories about CEXs like MEXC straight up taking away fund access EVEN IF you always log in w/ a VPN from someplace like Switzerland. Do we have a reliable CEX that offers a KuCoin like variety of alts that I can just purchase and only be out pennies in CEX fees?

2. Is there a decentralized solution for buying something like VRA that is ONLY on the eth network and NOT having to pay out the nose in gas fees?

3. How do you even buy BNB if your only fiat onramp is Coinbase/ERC-20?

I swear I've tried to figure this out, but for the love of all that is holy the US has made it an absolute nightmare with the chokepoints. The added "fuck you" of having been always cut off from Binance is maddening.

HELP!