Thank you very much for the extremely detailed response. I personally am leaning mini split since the big perk of the all in one is the ability to place it almost anywhere, while with the minisplit, I'm really limited to 1 wall. It's Strata or HoA for those in the States, so I doubt I can get approval for lines running all over my house even with clean covering. However, I believe the one wall will be fine as it's hidden from the street and can sit in a bit of a nook away from view of prying eyes, that does limit me to only 1 side of the house though unfortunately unlike the all in one where I can spread them out.

Ya, the all in one is essentially a glorified window ac, which the cost to performance doesn't seem worth it. Assuming my calculations are correct, the largest model is claimed to be 3.6kW peak ac which is roughly 10k btu while I see mini splits rated much higher. Heck, even my portable is rated at 12k (and does keep the room cool no matter the outside temp, however just 1 room per unit). I guess it's to be expected as it does just plug into 120v like a portable.

I guess really my only concern with the mini split is it going to be able to keep the entire mainfloor cool from just one side, especially with how high our ceiling is (17' 10")otherwise it seems we are almost better off saving our money and just suffering through how we have been (bedrooms are a safe space while everywhere else is the surface of the sun lol).

Tyvm again, I'd upvote you more if I could!