OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, can be used to Store the Backups = .qbb and .qbm. Think of this as for disaster recovery purposes = offsite safe storage.

OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, cannot be used to Keep the .qbw file, the working file and folder and subfolders and associated utilities files, attachments, filed forms, anything linked to the Company file, or the Company File itself and not for Any place that would be your Company File's folder or library or file path. The Folder with the files that are live updated cannot be a Static Share.

There is no debate for QB PC Desktop. The Working file and folders need to be Managed. OneDrive, Google Drive, DropBox, are not able to manage a relational database that is Live Updated as you work.

Yes, this can be pointed to a USB, to your DropBox, Google Drive, OneDrive: "I’m thinking maybe if I can turn off the auto save feature or something and just do batch saving and backups?"

Let the QB program make backups and set it to Rotate them = keep only the most recent 3 or 5. This is a Perfect way to use Static Storage locations, including your own USB memory stick.