So I'm pretty new to Krita, and I am trying to figure out how to get a layer, more specifically the first layer of a new project to be transparent. I have looked around for hours trying to find an answer. I've seen some erase to show the checkerboard, but if I try to do that, it just stays white. There has to be a way to have a completely transparent layer without dealing with transparency masks, right?

Sure, the easiest way is to create your image with a transparent bottom layer (set Image Background Opacity to 0% in the new image dialog). Next easiest is to go to the bottom layer, select all and cut.