development board – Choosing the Right SBC for an IoT Home Automation Project

I am embarking on an IoT home automation project and I’m in the process of selecting a suitable Single Board Computer (SBC) for my needs. The project will involve managing various devices such as smart lights, temperature sensors, and security cameras. The chosen SBC should be able to handle multiple simultaneous connections and process data in real-time.

Here are the specific requirements for the SBC:

It must support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
It should have at least 4GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.
The SBC needs to have a strong community and support, as I will need to troubleshoot and possibly look for existing libraries and drivers.
I am looking for something with a good balance between power consumption and computational performance.
It must be compatible with popular IoT platforms and middleware for easier integration.
Based on these criteria, I have a few questions:

What are some recommended SBCs that are known for reliable performance in IoT home automation projects?

Are there specific models that have robust driver support for a wide range of peripherals commonly used in home automation?

In terms of future-proofing, which SBCs have the best track record for receiving consistent updates and community support?

How do the more popular SBCs like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or Odroid compare in terms of power efficiency and performance under load?

Can anyone share their personal experiences with integrating an SBC into a home automation system, particularly any challenges faced with hardware compatibility?

I’m hoping to make a decision that will not only suit my current needs but also be a viable option as the project scales. I appreciate any advice or insights you can provide!