I started doubting if automating the server initialization is worth the effort at this point. It turned out to be a large task that delays the first release.
Instead I can setup the server and database in semi-automated manner and improve the process later on if needed. I found myself taking too many shortcuts when automating the process. I see the risk for the automation being difficult to maintain.
I don’t anticipate replicating nodes any time son. Therefore from now on I will focus on getting the first version out. They only parts that need to be automated are deployments and migrations.