Looking for advice on setting up a system that allows me to view who is online, test routers etc.
The simplest equipment and way ?
You can simply use winbox, see this thread:
http://forum.mikrotik.com/t/remote-access-from-the-internet-wan-side/55293/1
Thank you! You seem to always be there for me! 
Just keep in mind best practice is to use a VPN tunnel.
I should have listed the equipment.
1- the new RBLHGR&R11e-LTE6
2- with a Tendu or Asus Router