I went this way, as well (though I didn't spend anywhere near $150 - it came to under $5 per mini-split ordered from AliExpress, plus $11.50 for the programming tool from Amazon [including shipping and taxes]). It works really well. I can even use the remotes, if I want to, but the remote won't be updated with the state of the mini-split if I use Home Assistant to adjust settings. Home Assistant will get an update of the state of the mini-split if I adjust settings via the remote.
More accurately, I'm using this repo that supports ESPHome and Home Assistant.
The only issue I have is it doesn't seem to let me control the horizontal vane, but I may have an issue with the config somewhere.
I hadn't tried checking the logs while using the remote. Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, when I press "Wide Vane" on my remote, I don't get an update in the logs about it. I do see updates when I change the mode or fan speed, as well as the vertical swing setting.