Getting started with trading and dealing with escrow - a few questions.

Hi!

So I only recently came back to TF2 after raffling my entire backpack and thinking I'd never return (lol) I bought a flapjack from the Mann Co. Store for £11.60 ($16.53) and only just finding out it's worth around 88 cents according to backpack.tf, I've decided to not be an idiot and get my cosmetics and trade sensibly.

I'm confused though, last time I remember trading years ago, keys were no where near as much as they are now, but it seems metal is basically worthless now and buds are no longer considered a currency?

I have around $35 in my steam wallet, and was considering buying keys and then waiting a week for the stupid new escrow system to make them tradeable. Is there anyway to bypass this? Would buying keys be the best 'bang for by buck' in terms of getting stuff to trade with?

I've also only just put a steam guard on my phone, meaning I have to wait around 3 days to use something like scrap.tf.

Also trading with a friend since 2014, it says any items I trade will be held for 24 hours. Will this kill any chance I have of trading when others already have the mobile authenticator for over 7 days?

Thanks :)