BRKTwo questions
1) to change my dxlevel do I write "-dxlevel 98" (without quotations) in my launch options (only for the first launch) and edit it in my auto exec?
2) In options > video > advanced, should I be looking to see DirectX v9.8 in my Software DirectX level or my Hardware DirectX level? - Asking this because I see DirectX v9.0 on Sofware DirectX level but on hardware I see DirectX v 9.8
no, you write it in the launch options and after first launch you remove it, it will not change back and you will be able to tab out without timing out, no need to edit your config for this.
if you want to check what dxlevel you have currently type in the console mat_dxlevel and it will show you.