Is workflow tweaks vs the alternatives [v2]

Spent the last few weekends digging into this and the deeper I go the more questions I have. I tried three different approaches and none of them felt quite right.

For context, I am working with a pretty modest budget so high-end suggestions probably will not land.

I tried three different approaches and none of them felt quite right. Quick context: I am relatively new to this and trying to find my footing.