My understanding about production use case you mentioned is to create a VPN for many services? without using exit node, there will be no delay compared to normal use. And if you use an exit node, yes, the delay depends on how strong your exit node is.

If you have existed VPS for other purpose, you can make use of them, then it's FREE. Otherwise you can get a cheap VPS (~$4 / month).

Try to enjoy yourself with your non-tech hobbies. I do it when I start feeling lazy, and the guilt of time-consuming makes me to be productive again LOL