Guessing u dont have a flushdraw yourself? In that case much better to just X/C unless to expensive. It really sux here betting, getting raised and having to play versus a flushdraw off any kind and a set against another opponent.

Multiway its better to check because you don't want to play for stacks on the flop, if it's HU I prefer betting.

Checking back is standard, if it's deep against most opponents you should be okay bet/calling and playing turns in position, since you don't want to be betting just super nutty hands here (and this will probably be just 88 since you raised pre).

Live games play very passive and I may not even get raised by less than a set, or a huge combo draw(sometimes) and rarely bluffed. Betting seems +ev but its the times I get raised that really feel like a mistake all be it that it doesn't happen often.

You have enough turns that make you nuts or slow down opponents that have their range face up, so if stacks are deep enough you shouldn't worry about getting raised by a better hand. It does increase the variance tho, if you are not willing to play such spots checking back is fine, but imo the weaker option.