1: does it cost money? If so how much 2: what degree in computer sciences do I need to have to set up? For real though, how long does it take to set up a server if let’s say, you actually had an idea on what you are doing?
Not long. The common issues at first are getting your firewall and port forwarding sorted. Look here to start. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=553088396 I’m running two rF2 servers and an AMS2 server on an old laptop.
You can use any computer at home or hire one. If you hire one it's "easy"and if you know how to do it you can set it up in less than 10 minutes. If you use a computer at home you need, at least, two degrees in quantic physics to set it up and race at home, at the same time.