I need to set up a nginx -> nodejs server for a project soon. Given I have set up a number of linux servers without trouble, how much of a struggle would it be to just use BSD for this new project? Would it be worth holding off and just messing about in a VM, or would my linux experience just transfer directly to setting up on FreeBSD?
We've prepared tutorials that can help you get started with the basics: https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tags/freebsd
Is this alternative method another SaaS with a different API and performance characteristics? That takes time as well, in addition to the vendor lock-in. BTW, stacking abstraction x infinity is what causes systems to be bloated, unreliable security risks. Time spent gaining a greater understand of components on layers below the level of the stack you're operating on is time well spent, you'll be a better developer for it.