TechCurious: New to this — how do I get started? I'm setting up my first automations and looking for advice.

22 minutes ago · profile

Honestly, I'd recommend Node-RED over Vera for your case. Keep in mind the setup time.

See also

• ESPHome — is it a good choice for beginners?
• How to limit latency in automations?
• Can I securely expose my setup to the internet for remote access?