Hey just wanted to say I'm in a similar huddle regarding the rest API. For authentication via JWT, I came across this plugin which can do logins via JWT tokens.

I also rolled a review for it on wpplugincheck too. I'm using it for production atm if anyone isn't feeling confident on using it.

For the time being, I feel like the rest api is lacking in a lot of areas, especially documentation and lack of good examples. I'm exploring using airtable via airpress as an alternative.