I second this I learned the most of Apple hardware and software by doing hakintosh in the mid 2000s as a high schooler. Nothing like having to fix kext issues on the only computer you have. This got me started in Linux and home server/lab setup. I helped run an e-commerce website deployed on a VPS from the experience.
When Nokia and their Linux OS died around the time I graduated college I went iPhone and android to see which is most like Linux. I then started my career so I wanted something more turn key I’m now in full Apple ecosystem. I still have a home lab. I don’t expect a lot of people to be technical with Apple but they are out there.
Mine is on a NAS populated with WD reds I sync over network