There is nothing more frustrating than struggling with software in the dark as time ticks by - we have all been there. Auto focus is one of the more challenging things to get working so I suggest you not try it until you get the basics working. Try a simple sequence without auto focus or plate solve. Once you get that working. Try adding plate solve. Only then try adding auto focus.
Astrophotography is very challenging in that you are trying to get multiple pieces of software and hardware to all work together. SGP is quite reliable but like any new software you need to learn how to use it. I suggest two things. First, during the day connect all your hardware and do as many steps as you can to gain familiarity. Second, when you do try things at night use only the basic operations you need at first and then add functions as you gain experience.