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Under the 2D operations drop-down menu, I would use "Contour" for that. I'm assuming that you have already created a "setup" which defines the work coordinates? For something like this I would set...

This sort of thing your after. Also often called traffolyte which is used a lot for name tags etc. You can even buy it in precut name tag size blanks
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Fusion360 is supplied on a yearly renewable license, you just have to jump through a few hoops to get it renewed for free.

Damn, just quoted you on it. The licensing for F360 has certainly changed but there is an licensing option that remains free for hobbyists, although limited in terms of the extra tools/capabilities...

Not really other than making sure you use a tool suitable for that material and any good tool provider will have info on which tool suits what material best.
After that, it's more personal choice...

I use SketchUp for my 3D printing. I would never pay money for it. It is OK if you want a block with a hole in it, but anything more refined is a struggle to draw. Why don't you go straight on to...

Good choice for a learning machine but don't expect the world from it. My advice for these machines is not to waste money trying to make it better, instead work it to death and make it earn money for...