Quote from: fasttimes on March 09, 2022, 09:33:25 PM

is it possible to

1) load bitcoin core on a laptop not connected to the internet
2) create a new wallet for cold storage

Yes.

Quote from: fasttimes

3) remove the dat file or at lease the private key (make it a "watch only" type wallet)

You can remove the wallet.dat from the data directory but not individual private keys from the wallet.

Quote from: fasttimes

4) get public key/address in order to send btc from software wallet
5) connect laptop to internet and DL blockchain/run node, monitor wallet balance

Yes, it is possible to create a watching-only wallet consisting of addresses in Bitcoin Core.
All you have to do is to create a "blank wallet" (with "disable private key" option) then import the cold-storage's address using the command: importaddress

Quote from: fasttimes on March 09, 2022, 09:33:25 PM

then if i need to move funds from that cold wallet, have another laptop that is not connected to the internet reinsert private key and move funds.

You should use that laptop in the first place when creating the cold-storage wallet.
Then use the other online laptop for the watching-only wallet.

If Bitcoin Core isn't a requirement, try Electrum cold storage setup: https://electrum.readthedocs.io/en/latest/coldstorage.html