This came across as someone who might not know what they’re doing.
Yup, that's why I'm here. I thought that was the point of "IWTL"?
What’s your plan to manage the resulting SWR?
I have a NanoVNA so could build a small dipole. High efficiency isn't really the point.
I'm not going for anything fancy, I just want to know the basics of how to design and build an RF amplifier.
What this device’s output, exactly?
It's only in the mW region. The effective transmission is only within a metre (3 feet) of the device.
how many dB
Gain can be small, even if it's 10 or 20 dB. I want to learn the principles of design and then I can work from there.
I don't want to break the amp, but I'm expecting my first attempt to be non-ideal.
Yes, that is exactly why I am asking here. I was hoping someone could point me in a direction.
Yes, I would likely use a Hertzian dipole. Which is inefficient. So not likely to cause much distant interference.