I'm running a bunch (3x 24/7, 2x needs-based) of ex-thin client machines, because they're low power consumption and I don't need a lot of compute for what I run, which my bank account is severely thankful for.

I don't use any of the seven advanced things. I do have a NAS, but that's primarily for backups. I used to use it for storage for the Proxmox VMs, but then it became a centralised point of failure, so now each machine has local storage, NVMe SSDs for small, fast needs like booting, and external, USB storage for larger, slower needs.

Thankfully, I was already loaded up on large disks in the NAS prior to ask the current price craziness. That's pretty much the only thing I was ahead of the wave for though.

In summary: you can do a surprising amount with limited resources.