Finally got around to picking up my new home server for ~$300 dollars.
Used Dell Inspiron 5559
Home Server Log
May 25, 2017 - Install VMWare ESX 6.5
Installing VMWare vSphere ESXi Hypervisor 6.5 but network card is not detected on boot.
This article looks promising - https://www.v-front.de/2014/12/how-to-make-your-unsupported-nic-work.html
Dell seems to package their own ESX IOS which I think will work but I need to see if I can upgrade. Also what's with the A00, A01, A03 designation linked under "Other Versions"? - http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=FCTFC
Also checked the native download page for the laptop but ESX is not listed as an OS.
May 24, 2017 - Update BIOS
Record asset tag and system specs. Upgrade BIOS from 1.0.6 to 1.2.8 (March 22, 2017). Run basic burn test.