traded an old laptop for it, I know nothing about guitars. I’m currently watching and reading on what I need (amp simulator as a first step is what I figured out) and then learn how to play the thing. in the interim, would be nice if someone knows what brand or model this is and what I should pay attention to. thanks!

I ran the picture through Google Lens and got this hit:
https://reverb.com/ca/item/91084813-bellwood-audition-teisco-ish-chushin-gakki-sakai-two-pickup-guitar
Looks like yours may have a custom split headstock on it. Or it could be a clone.
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body looks like a pretty good match. I think this guitar got customized which explains the lack of finish, the strat-like bevel, and the V headstock.