[chiefalchemist]

If you had your own iron, had to co-locate it somewhere, keep the OS updated, etc. all that time (and hardware) adds up. Factor in opportunity cost and hosts like WPE are relatively cheap.

[yard2010]

Wait what about the middle ground? Give me access to a VPS and I can make your dreams come true, as cheap as possible, using modern CI tools and a lot of.. automation.

Sure, maintaining it has a cost, but to me the alternative feels like trying to build a business by reselling expensive chocolates you bought from the hotel mini bar.

[chiefalchemist]

Perhaps. But it still takes time. And a level a of expertise. And what happens when you want to go on vacation? Get hit by a bus, etc.?

Once you do the math it becomes a break even at best. Once you factor in opportunity cost, managed hosting for most WP projects is a better fit.