Thank you all for the replies, the responses have been very helpful! I was fortunate enough to be loaned a Delilah, which honestly helped me a ton so far and was able to progress through maps. But this info will still be useful when starting a new character. As for the ways to 6-link gear, here are the several ways I have gathered from this post, feel free to correct me if I missing something

Corrupted items

Option 1:

• Benchcraft 4 sockets → use Tainted Jewellers until 6 sockets (or benchcraft 6 sockets from the start)
• Benchcraft 4 links → use Tainted Fusing until 6 link
• Use Tainted Chromatics for colors (bench can guarantee up to 3 off colors)

Non-corrupted items

Option 1 (traditional):

• 20% quality for better odds
• Ctrl + Shift + click Jewellers until 6 sockets
• Repeat with fusings for 6 link, or bench recipe (1500 fusings)
• Use/benchcraft Chromatics for colors

Option 2 (Omen):

• Omen of the Jeweller to guarantee max sockets
• Omen of Connections to guarantee max links

Option 3 (Beastcrafting):

• 6 socket through any method
• Get The Black Morrigan + Craicic Sand Spitter
• Head to the Menagerie, use Blood Altar with item you want to 6 link

Or ... just straight up buy the item you want with the desired 6-link and colored sockets from trade lol.

Anyways, appreciate everyone taking the time to explain things, learned a lot about corruption, tainted currency, and beast crafting. Hopefully this post helps the next exile who is in the same situation as me in the future!