What is a Bitcoin Node ?

Nodes -

• Are the back bone of the Bitcoin network.
• Hold every Bitcoin transaction ever.
• There are 10,000 of  nodes replicated all over the world.
• Nodes also process Lightning transactions.
• Nodes allow you to interact with the Bitcoin Blockchain directly.
• Are usually on a Raspberry Pie computer
• Consume about 7W

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Why run your own node ?

A great explanation here

Running your own node

2 Levels of running a node

1 Basic node - Hold and checks every transaction ever requires little input once set up.

2 Basic node + Lightning - Lightning wallet / channels. In depth knowledge and maintenance required.

   AT this point I'll defer to BTC Sessions far superior knowledge and series of videos >

Awesome Bitcoin tutorials videos and content 
From @BTCsessions

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Bitcoin nodes

RaspiBlitz

​Build a Self-Custodial Lightning Node with RaspiBlitz

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Nodl

Nodl enables you to connect to Bitcoin and the Lightning Network so that you can verify and process payments without having to rely on any intermediaries.
https://www.nodl.it/

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Resources

Four tips to run profitable lightning node

https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/four-tips-run-profitable-lightning-node.

An excellent node guide here.
https://bitcoiner.guide/node/