Basic guideance how to best build a relational database around a contact list

Hello everyone,

my first post here - I hope I found the right place and thx for your time in advance.

So here is what I'm trying to do:

- I need a shared contact list that everyone is able to sync with outlook

- I need 1-2 additional lists/tables that are related to the contacts (e.g. when did we talk to the contact; how did the contact's status change, ...)

- I want to analyze the data - preferable in Power BI

So here is my question:

How should/can I best implement this in SharePoint / Azure SQL / ...? I'm happy with any basic guidedance/ Best Practices and further links to read.

I know I can use OOTB SharePoint "lookup" lists, however I was told, that they should not be used as relational databases and lookup-columns are quite constrained in their useability

From my research so far, a Azure SQL-database would be the method of choice (connected to PowerApps and Power BI). But I do not how how to implement/connect a contact list there that is able to connect to outlook.

Thank you for any advice

Paul