I am glad to hear from you, Taryal.
1. Most of what you wrote is correct. However, the following is incorrect: “But I should also understand that what I perceive to be me/mine are the 5 aggregates which are not under my complete control. These evolve according to natural causes and not according to my desires.” It is correct that the five aggregates play a significant role. However, we have control over it, especially after comprehending the teachings of the Buddha. See the post in #3 below.
2. Yes. This is what I referred to in #1 above. Once one understands the Paticca Samuppada (PS) process, we will know how to manage it.
3. Again, mostly correct except for “What makes an arahant unique is that their perception won’t be defiled since they won’t attach to any sensory input.” The corrected version is explained in #9 of the new post of today “Vipassanā – Buddhist Meditation” Please read that. It is called “distorted perception” and not “defiled perception.” An Arahant would not have anything defiled.
4. Yes. An Arahant has a heightened awareness. That is because that mind is not defiled. As one progresses on the Noble Path, one’s awareness will increase. It is also true that even an unenlightened individual can use anariya jhana to increase their awareness because, at least while in jhana, their minds are devoid of kama raga. However, an anariya yogi would not know what Nibbana is until it is explained in detail by a Noble Person; of course, it could be easier for them to grasp those concepts once explained.
5. You seem to have read the relevant literature. The literature on Out-of-Body Experiences (OBE) is similar to those on Near Death Experiences (NDE). See “Manomaya Kaya and Out-of-Body Experience (OBE)” and “Mental Body (Gandhabba) – Personal Accounts.” This website has many other posts on gandhabba, manomaya kaya, OBE, and NDE. You can use the search box on the top right to look for relevant posts using those keywords.
I am glad you are interested in these issues at a young age. This is the best time to look into Buddha’s teachings. I wish I had started much earlier.