I reported 10K on 1099 misc, but paid > 10K in tuition & fees, TT states I can't deduct b/c "no net qualified edu exps and no taxable income in return". Is this accurate?

You need to enter a 1098-T showing the expenses (Box 1). If you have scholarships in Box 5, this may reduce the expenses reported in Box 1.

Even with 10,000 income, you may not have any tax liability to apply the credit to. 

Look at your 1040 to see if you have any tax liability. Review your answers in the "Education Information" interview.