Ive been sort of passively looking at f150s too. Same kind of experience, several trucks that would fit my combination of needs/want/price show as “on way to dealer” or “dealer ordered”. The dealers are being super cagey about what’s actually on the lot, what’s actually on the way, etc.
Car salesmen in general tend to be smarmy, but the SEFL market is pure shite because the dealers themselves are also turds.