I'm just like that and I really recommend NixOS. it's configuration is based on files written in the Nix programming language. You can have all your configuration on a single place, even for user programs with HomeManager.
And, since it's a programming language, you can make it execute stuff, like reading a directory and doing something based on that!
bitwarden, wikipedia
also, not really paying for patreon, but I'm using it to pay DJPeachCobbler for his amazing videos on history