I did a number of tests, starting with an incognito window, which didn't work. Using "create" instead of "edit and create" worked for me...sort of. It still requires many extra steps when edits are necessary.

It's not really a fix, more a work around. Something that QBO should be embarrassed by. 

Thanks to all (except the QB admins who give unhelpful stock answers that waste valuable time) for this thread and making me realize that it wasn't just me.