Ya, I noticed the clock/sync message. Wondered if that's normal. I guess not. But I already have the os on sd and was getting the same problem. If fact, it was booting from sd when I noticed the problem.
Haven't had time yet to do your other suggestions.

Just realized; clock off was one of the error message possibilties. That would explain the issue. Is the some way to turn it on again or is it likely a clock failure?