For me it is writting docker compose files describing my services. I like to test them on my machine before pushing them to the server(s). But I guess that’s my own fault for not using something like portainer or even SSHFS.
What’s the most annoying / painful step for you?
In my experience, it’s the noise and cable management.
The rack we chose was a cheapo open-frame off Amazon so all the cables are kind of just hanging off the side while only being partially tied up and run through loops made of zip ties. Proper loops, wire arms, drawers, etc, are expensive to obtain in this area, and we’ve moved to the rack several times over the past several years. We’ve also lost a few bolts because they literally snap off while being removed.
Yes, having worked in server rooms before setting up home equipment, I chose to use consumer grade equipment. Less noise, less heat, potentially less power. My first “rack” was a wooden storage rack to hold the then 3 desktop towers. I did get the fun of building each system from scratch to get the specific bang for the buck.