I've used pfSense and purchased the mother boards and cases. Four things I learned using pfSense - 1) It uses general purpose CPUs and software to provide switch features .vs custom chips designed for managed switching. 2) The general purpose hardware must be higher powered to handle much less load. 3) General purpose CPUs and software induces higher latency. 4) To handle higher traffic levels requires more expensive general purpose hardware which compared to EdgeMAX and Ubi gets expensive.
I recommend you take a serious look at the UbiFi line of products.
I have both EdgeMAX and UbiFi products (at our corp lab/office), both are excellent products.
My views currently -
EdgeMAX is for networking nerds that luv a configuration command line that is very powerful.
The GUI handles the basics. I purchased both products to evaluate before selecting what would be used,
for what purpose, at what locations. I luv the EdgeMAX line but it does take time to unleash the full power.
UbiFi products have a wonderful config GUI and management interface.
Usually, it's not necessary to use the command line.
In my view, it exists for edge cases when the GUI doesn't yet do something special that maybe required at a deployment. It is a saving grace.
Monitoring and Management (including remote) is what will be done most of the time and the UniFi GUI does well at these tasks.
Software can always do more and always be improved. Ubiquiti has been a good company to work with and the community of people, very helpful and friendly. You do need to do your part, dig in and learn. Search the forums for answers to the basics before asking questions. Provided your configuration when asking new questions.
Your project sounds like a lot of fun. The recommendations offered are so solid, I would not change a single word.
Hope this is useful.