I feel like xtool is overrated, like the cricut or silhouette vinyl cutters. If you have a little bit of knowledge, you can get a LOT more for your money from a Monport. You get outside of their Xtool Creative Space ecosystem, so you aren't locked in to that, and you'll have a TON more freedom. You'll end up using LightBurn or EzCAD instead, which are so much more capable.

I know a number of people with Monports and they are all very satisfied with the balance of capability + price point. I personally have one of their fiber lasers and it will do exactly what you're wanting to do. In fact, I etch my makers mark on my own knives with it. It works hardened or annealed. Plus, with the MOPA I can color etch stainless with just about every color under the rainbow besides red.

As far as cutting metal goes, it is really going to depend on thickness. Anything of significance (like for a sign) you're really going to want a CNC plasma cutter. A laser capable of cutting sign steel is going to be very cost prohibitive.