I'd recommend testing with a different PSU. At this point that seems the most likely thing!
I tried 3 different PSUs but they are probably all from the same batch. I'm concerned whatever hardware issue I have is present in all of the hardware I have.
Thanks again for all your help.
do you live near NJ,USA?
maybe I could meet you and bring a working rasp pi 3 and a working psu and working cables.
if I plug it all in and it works you know the issue is the psu or one of your cables.
If I plug it all in and it does not work then the issue is your power outlets.
BTW I would not mine on a gfc outlet.
I could also bring a dmm to test the power.
only works if you are close