Is there any update on the secure nodes? It looks like its been 1 month for multiple months now.
You can build one now. You can get it on the testnet now to verify everything will be working when it's time to switch to mainnet. You can even run it on mainnet right now if you want, but there's no public tracker system yet, so no payouts.
The Payouts is the question, when everything is finished. Pointless to build one now in reality.
It actually take a bit of work to get one setup. There are plenty of pitfalls to work through, not the least being getting a VPS that's got enough resources, but doesn't cost a fortune. It's a great learning experience, so it's good to be ready when it's time to switch to mainnet.