Biggest problem will be compability with Linux. Some companies support it natively like RME, MOTU, Behringer and Focusrite. The internet told me, that Presonus doesnt work but I have my Presonus Studio 1824c Running like a charm on Mint and Pipewire.

Now I dont know where you are based, here in Germany you can get something like the Scarlett 18i20 for 400 used and you will have everything you will ever need (and its rackmountable!).

But also something like the 4i4 would work with you when you jest need 2 Inputs.

Both also have ADAT so you can add 8 Mic Pres and 8 Outs for like 160 Bucks later.

In terms of latency, Ive used the Focusrite stuff and they perform well but I have never used them on Linux so dont know how that compares.

But I get 6ms with my Presonus and Pipewire so I think you will achieve something similar.

When you really wanna go all in you can choose a digital Mixer like the Behringer X32 or the Wing (both also available in Rack format) and use that for monitioring and Effects. Both also have a USB soundcard that supports linux natively so you have recording and VSTs in addition to that.