I'd like to add: for privacy, run Bitcoin Core through Tor, and always make use of Coin Control.
Any good tutorials for this? Run Bitcoin Core via Tor?
Or just click on the option that appears in Bitcoin Core?
Is it viable to use a VPN system that allows SOCKS5?
If you
only want Bitcoin Core connect through Tor, you can just tick option which available on Bitcoin Core GUI. Otherwise, check this guide
https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/tor.md.
But the other part is you using a pruned node means you’re trusting a third party
Did you mistype something? Pruned node download and verify whole blockchain, so it doesn't trust any 3rd party.