If any apps demand Google services, sandboxed Google Play runs with zero system level privileges and can live in a separate profile, so only that profile's apps touch Play while your main profile stays free of Google code.
Welcome! Consider creating one user account for everyday apps and another for “sensitive” apps, and set up a private space on the latter account.
Use F-Droid and Aurora for your apps, and enjoy! :)
Yeah there was a moment after entering dev mode and seeing OEM unlocking still greyed out when I thought my investment was for nought. I was sweating. But overall the process was super smooth.