You might try sourcing a good used set. Will Tillery in Virginia is very good to deal with.
Land Rover New and Used Parts and Accessories ? RoverGuy Land Rover Parts and Accessories

 

I could pull the key barrel assembly from my parts truck for you. It's very sloppy so is annoying to use, but I could probably remove the wafers so that any key would work in it.

 

I ended up just ordering one, I really appreciate the offer though!

 

So, I believe that i have located the issue-ish. still a bit unsure. ultimately, I believe the malfunction is being caused by a leak somewhere that is allowing rain water to drip on the steering column and cause a short of some sort. Does anyone have a labeled steering column electrical connections picture? or does anyone have the ability to label the connections they know on the pictures provided that they can see in the picture? i believe this will assist in my ability to comfortably and definitively say either "i fixed it" or "back to the drawing board and continue trouble shooting. If anyone is able, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

In the rave manual, have you downloaded it yet?

 

I must have missed that post. which one was it? is it fairly easy to read? Most electronics and their functioning / mapping documents are like a different language to me most days.

 

I think the Land Rover manuals (Rave) are the best written, easiest to follow manuals out there. If you search WaltNYC (member of this forum) he has a link to all the manuals in his signature.
As far as easy to read, they’re probably the best, but due to the thickness of the manual, it can seem a bit daunting. If you methodically go through the manuals they are easy to follow. I printed mine, as I find that easier, especially for the Electronic Troubleshooting manual.