i understand that if i want to rent long term in portugal the first thing i need is a fiscal number, but also that to register a car i need a cheque to pay for that ?, therefore is the 2nd thing i need a bank account ?

anything else i need after that ?

That's an interesting question, that I would like to know the answer to!

Anyone on here help with this?

Yes if you are renting out your property you do need a fiscal number, which you also need to open a bank account.