Ok, I want to preface that I have tried multiple solutions such as:
Android Studio - Google map still blank on real Android device
Android Google Maps API in Release not working
I've tried to obtain the SHA1 fingerprint, and added those "Restrictions" to the Google Developer Console API Credentials.
Also tried hardcoding the API into the manifest (can't find the link that recommended this).
At this point, I've narrowed it down to these possible issues:
1) The keystore I am using has the following line when checking it
Signature algorithm name: SHA256withRSA
I noticed that many of the solutions talked about having SHA1withRSA. But since this would require creating a new keystore, to which I would have to create a whole new app, I'm avoiding this conclusion.
2) I've also noticed that the Original APK uploaded to Play console actually works. But the Derived APK (which I assume is the one uploaded to the Play Store) does not work.
3) The API library in Google Developer Console does not have specifically
"Google Maps Android API v2"
It only shows "Google Maps Android API". I assume this shouldn't be the issue.
Just to clarify, the issue is that the Map in my app comes up blank.