I have figured out how to fix this issue and have successfully updated to 10.13.2. Here's what I did:
I essentially followed all procedures listed in post
#9 (of this linked thread)
Before doing so, I used KextBeast to install the latest Lilu.kext and AppleALC.kext (searched Google for this one) on both of the following directories of my primary MacOS drive:
SYSTEM/LIBRARY/EXTENSIONS
LIBRARY/EXTENSIONS
After this, I mounted my EFI volume (I used Clover Configurator to do this, or EFI mounter if you like) and copied the two kexts shown above as well as the FakeSMC.kext from LIBRARY/EXTENSIONS (on my main MacOS drive - see above) to EFI/CLOVER/KEXTS/OTHER
Once this was done, I restarted my computer (booting from the primary MacOS drive as normal) and followed the above linked post's instructions exactly... step by step. Read the instructions carefully and take it slow. You will be able to accomplish the update.... assuming your issues matched mine.
I hope this helps everyone else struggling with the same issue I did.