Use docker with a container which can only go online thru a vpn like transmission-vpn.

Definetly get the base model, use a NAS for storage and just download more RAM

Get a used M1 Macbook Air. MacOs isnt restricted like their mobile devices. Its passivly cooled, relativly cheap, portable and also capable for more serious productive work.

It does.

https://github.com/awesome-selfhosted/awesome-selfhosted

Use a VPN. Also I am only using private trackers which minimizes the risk drastically. But Usenet is also fine. When I still tried to get German content oftentimes you will find OneClickHosters though, but I only get english content nowadays, so the scene could habe changed.

Make sure to use a vpn when your country cares about this stuff. Its not fun to pay 800€ for one episode of the fucking walking dead. (Germany)