On-Prem Exchange Server. Way better than anything else.

Install a hypervisor.

Install best desktop OS in one VM.

Install best Server OS in another.

My goal is to have my traffic appear as if it's coming from a different location for privacy reasons before it hits the work VPN.

More like you want to work from a location that you should not be working from.

Do not delude yourself that you won't be discovered.

There is not rational reason to use a VPN to try and hide your for WFH.location

What's the point of this?

What are you usefully going to do with the data?

Another vote for Bookstack. We've been using it in a business for years now. Easy to setup and configure. Easy to use. Just works.

Start with requirements, not a solution.

What thing/service do want to add/improve that will make your life better. Not a product, think concepts.

Once you know what to require, select a product that meets your requirements. Build your computer accordingly.

OrangeHRM has a free tier.

It is a mammal that cries when it is unhappy:

Look at baby monitors.