I don't want to make a Minecraft server because that kinda shoehorns you into one thing. I prefer flexibility... The more I dig into this, the more I think I should just play the $10/month for a realm... Yuck...
I know I can set up my laptop to connect to a VPN but how do I set up the other end at home to either access my NAS, home computer or...*cough* play Minecraft with my kids who are using the Xbox...