Thank you for the response! I have a few more questions that may sound ignorant. I've only ever considered a Roth IRA so I'm kind of confused on traditional IRAs.
Using the backdoor process, it sounds like I open a new Vanguard account for a traditional IRA, can put a max of $5,500 in this account (despite my income), then convert it to a Roth IRA as soon as possible? Though I've read the article you linked and the contribution limits for a traditional IRA, I'm still confused as to whether or not my income prevents me from contributing.
Regarding the tax for the over contribution to my Roth, when is this tax applied?
Thanks again!