Thanks Graham!
I haven't had time to fight with the python script in a while due to other job duties but I have a feeling the credentials issue is where my problem was. I may just switch to PowerShell as I'm more comfortable there anyway.
Even deciding which credentials to use is going to be problematic. I may have to see if the ServiceDeskPlus admin account will work. I'd rather use that than a real user and we're tight on licenses so I don't want to spend a license on a dummy account for this purpose.