]...does anyone have any information why Goldsmith published this novel? I am unaware of his circumstances, so am unsure if it was purely for profit, etc.

Well, here's alittle on Goldsmith.
Oliver Goldmith (1770-1774) was the son of an Anglican clergyman. He was born in Ireland and attended Trinity College, Dublin to study law and theology. he received a Bachelor of Arts-but didn't get as far as ordiantion.

I wonder if The Vicar of Wakefield was semi-autobiograhphical or if Goldsmith at least drew on aspects of his own life.

When Goldmith lived in London, he was an apothecary's assistant. He was frequently in debt and had masive output as a hack writer for LOndon publishers.

Samuel Johnson, the lexicograhper, critic, essayist and critic became a friend of Goldsmith.

If Dr Johnson felt Goldsmith had potential, he may've encouraged him to use his talent to attempt a serious novel such as The Vicar of Wakefield (1766).
Due to his debts, Goldsmith may've decided to take Dr Johnson's advice and wrote 'The Vicar of Wakefield' rather than for profit.
After further university studies in Edinburgh, Goldsmith had wandered living off his wits. His observations of rural life and of people may have provided material for VOW.
Goldsmith was also the author of the pastrol poem 'The Deserted Village' (1770) and a play, 'She Stoops to Conquer' (1773). He was a contemporary literary figure but I belive he died in debt.

Dr Johnson wrote an ephitaph to Samuel Goldsmith on his monument in Westminister Abbey.