Got the RT97s linked with the correct audio settings with the RIM-Lite in simpleusb.conf
carrierfrom = usbinvert
ctcssfrom = no
I had them both usbinvert, this was incorrect
I also turned off a couple of courtesy tones within rpt.conf
unlinkedct
linkunkeyct
Here are a few configs and commands I use often, I had bookmarks to multiple posts from here and this should cover most of your basic needs.
sudo nano /etc/asterisk/simpleusb.conf
sudo simpleusb-tune-menu
sudo nano /etc/asterisk/rpt.conf
sudo shutdown -r now
sudo service asterisk restart
sudo nano /etc/asterisk/usbradio.conf
Helpful resources I bookmarked (with some being redundant) when I was researching; perhaps it will help someone save time.
https://onnocenter.or.id/wiki/index.php/Asterisk_RoIP:_usbradio.conf
https://www.parkerradio.org/community/projects/allstar-node-from-motorola-cdm-1250-radio/
https://wiki.allstarlink.org/wiki/Beginners_Guide
https://wiki.allstarlink.org/wiki/Rpt.conf
https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/3739-noob-cheat-sheet-for-node-programing/#comment-37327
https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/3793-new-node-set-up/
https://youtu.be/1Um4kb_swDo
