Super cool idea. I definitely feel like the existing tools are quite lacking - unfortunately, while I can set up a Wordpress site, developing for it is not particularly in my wheelhouse. I technically have an understanding of the languages used, but zero experience with it. Hope you're able to find someone who's passionate about dev for Wordpress to help out!
I'm in a similar situation. I can run a server all copy pasta style, and I've played with legacy web tech, but I'm not a coder. I wish I was.