But now that I'm buying a house, I'd really like to start working on a smart thermostat, some smart locks and doorbell, etc... and it's hard to know where to commit.
Buy the house, and do nothing for a year. Learn your house, how it functions, and what it needs. Sure, home automation/smart home stuff, is fun, but with a house there are a lot of things that first need to get done to make it a home.
I too want smart thermostats, but I need to pull wires... Right now I'm really proud of myself for installing two roller shades last night - they only sat in the basement for 6+ weeks, and there is 14 more to go, and then the there is the blinds...
With that said, do have some fun