Hi, I would just like to point out that a PC/storage server that you build yourself, running TrueNAS or something is definitely an option and might be cheaper and better.
I sort of do this now...well, not trueNas...but a regular (though solidly running) PC...which has been on xubuntu for years, and i simply have a neat set of samba shares. I guess i was looking for something smaller, quieter, but mostly less power-sucking. Sure, i guess i can try and cobble something together out of NUCs, or somesuch small form factor PC...but was thinking about a dedicated NAS...but yeah, hardware concerns are a thing for me. But, right now, i still am leaning towards researching a dedicated, purpose-built NAS device.