For me it is writting docker compose files describing my services. I like to test them on my machine before pushing them to the server(s). But I guess that’s my own fault for not using something like portainer or even SSHFS.
What’s the most annoying / painful step for you?
This isn’t entirely related to homelab, but I had this exact problem dealing with my mATX gaming PC a few years back. Spilled a beverage on it and somehow the mobo was the only casualty. But it wasn’t that easy to find a six-gen mATX mobo for under $100. If I actually had the time for games, I’d probably use it as an excuse to upgrade everything, but I only keep it around for the occasional indie or Fallout 4 binge or Fortnite session with my son.