Thanks Vile and Johnny.
I did buy some belt conditioner about a week or so ago- tried a bit of it with a cold engine on parts of the belt that were accessible.
It didn't work.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the bottom of my fan shroud was cracked and not supported in its proper bottom clips.
I unscrewed the top two screws, lifted the shroud, placed it correctly, and tightened it up- yet the shroud should be replaced.
The belt looks a bit worn and is made in Mexico. The belt was also adjusted when my infamous mechanic replaced the power steering pump that I may or may not have needed...
In proper efforts of making the noise go away- do you guys happen to know the size of a proper fan belt to replace it with?
I'd like to pick one up online that is preferably made in USA. I might add in an alternator belt with the order as well.