as it turns out it was easier than expected. Early version here: Python API release notes
The API probably won’t change too much, and there are still a few TODO.md listed but it is basically usable now.
re: which hardware
For now I’d recommend buying a few TTGO TBEAMs from aliexpress/banggood. Sometimes there are sellers that sell them on Amazon, but make sure to get a 915MHz version if you are in the US and get a version that includes a screen. Also buy one 18650 battery per board.
The TBEAMs are quite nice, but soonish (a couple of months?) there will hopefully be a purpose built even nicer boards.