So what's the deal with cell phone companies.

Also was finally able to "chat" online with an actual person at Verizon.

Turns out I can put a Moto G6 on the prepaid, I just have to pay full retail for the phone, not their discount "prepaid" phone price.
So she said that I could buy an unlocked G6 straight for Motorola for instance, and then bring it in and have it activated with the prepaid plan. So I can use that phone, just cant get it from Verizon.