(....)
Is there an actual, reliable way to exchange bitcoin for cash in hand? My best guess would be a P2P transaction in person, but that's quite unlikely.
There are a lot of exchanges right now that offer Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transactions but most of these exchanges require a KYC process.
Since Localbitcoins is shutting down, there are few peer-to-peer (p2p) platforms now.
You can also achieve P2P transactions from your local cryptocurrencies/Bitcoin community if there are some willing to do the transactions just be careful and verify the buyer/seller because for sure you will transact physicall here.