really dry tree sap won't wipe off
 

So I had tree sap on the hood of my car for a few days and it also got baked in because its right above the engine bay. I wiped off the rest as much as I can, but I can't seem to get the bottom-most layer off. I tried goo-gone, adhesive remover, and tried hand buffing only to scratch the clearcoat a bit.

Could someone help me out?

It's this:

http://i.imgur.com/DXxzbG1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/LbQYPT1.jpg

Have you tried claying it?

Have you tried machine polishing?

I would try machine polishing it with medium cut pad and polish.

I've tried clay and it seems like I'm doing it wrong, machine polishing is definitely something I cannot do.. Could I ask a carwash place to just simply machine polish that area?

Yea, if you want your paint jacked up to hell and back. Try finding someone who actually has a clue about fixing paint. Dealerships and car washes are NOT those places. The first place you should look is your local Z club and start asking some of the members there who they would suggest.

Machine polishing is not hard at all dude. It may have etched the paint slightly and the only way to fix this is to simply polish the paint.

You may need to clay it a couple times, I've removed sap from Crepe Myrtles (little brown spots) with a clay bar and lubricant. There should be someone in your local Z club that can help with polishing it up and can show you their work on their own car. DO NOT take your car to a local car wash.