I know Apple says two factor auth. can not be turned off once it's turned on. Isn't there a way???

Codes are not sent by text ordinarily. They are sent by encrypted iCloud notification to all of your trusted devices. So as long as you have an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac nearby, you’d get the code from there.

If not, you could request the code be resent to the SMS telephone number you registered with your AppleID, or as a voice code to any other backup telephone number you added to your AppleID.

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

“Keep your trusted phone numbers up to date

To use two-factor authentication, you need at least one trusted phone number on file where you can receive verification codes. Consider verifying an additional trusted phone number other than your own phone number. If your iPhone is your only trusted device and it is missing or damaged, you will be unable to receive verification codes required to access your account.

You can update your trusted phone numbers when you follow these steps:

1. Go to your Apple ID account page.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Go to the Security section and click Edit.

If you want to add a phone number, click Add a Trusted Phone Number and enter the phone number. Choose to verify the number with a text message or automated phone call, and click Continue. To remove a trusted phone number, click next to the phone number you want to remove”

No, there is not. Fourteen days after you enroll your AppleID, the option to opt out is gone. Many Apple services also now require it, like Apple Pay, messages in iCloud, iCloud Keychain, Home Kit, etc. so you cannot use those services that require it if you did opt out during that limited window to change your mind.

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