@james.fischer May I suggest that instead of Zigbee, for the reasons you stated, you instead consider using the Ring Z-Wave Plus devices with HE for your DIY security system? They are inexpensive, and their Z-Wave Plus repeater has a built-in backup battery.
@bcopeland Has written excellent drivers for the Ring devices on HE.
[Edit] Forgot to mention that Ring drivers are also available from @codahql in addition to an excellent Ring Alarm Unofficial Integration that I use myself.
