I'd start with https://www.servethehome.com/introducing-project-tinyminimicro-home-lab-revolution/ https://www.servethehome.com/introducing-project-tinyminimic.

I'd start with https://www.servethehome.com/introducing-project-tinyminimicro-home-lab-revolution/ https://www.servethehome.com/introducing-project-tinyminimic... which explains why cheap used office mini PC from the big name OEMs give the best value for money for a home lab. They generally don't have any difficulty running Linux either. That site also has reviews of various newer mini PCs if you still want to go that route.