You can configure linux to directly boot into Kodi with zero interaction very easily[1]. If you pickup a machine with an IR sensor (some Intel NUCs for example) then you can configure it to use a remote[2]. RPis have HDMI-CEC which mean you can use your TV remote[3]. With that said I just use a mini keyboard[4] as it's the easiest and moat versatile for me, definitely not the most user friendly for people who don't know the keys though!).
Admittedly I only have local media and YouTube (via a Kodi Plugin)and don't use any streaming services so Kodi fulfils my needs perfectly.