Workflow choices and using multiple programs for a project

The data merge in indesign should work. You may have to use a script such as 
https://www.id-extras.com/products/fit-text-to-frame/ so different lengths of text in the data merge doesn't mess up the layout using 'Shrink text only'.

Alternatively

Maybe look at a site called Bannerbear, you can automate 1000s of images from a spreadsheet. You can create a base template for your card and each element (image, text box) in the design will be linked to a each rows column id in your spreadsheet.

It may take a bit of learning but it is definitely possible and will save a lot of time in the long run,

Wouldn't InDesign be the better choice here? Create a template design through the use of parent (master) page, use a spreadsheet to populate 1000 rows of data with text parts and image(s), then data merge 1000 cards with InDesign's data merge option.

If you need to make a change:

- a visual change is quickly made via the parent page(s)

- a content change is efficiently made by performing a new data merge.

Create your common elements, make a symbol of them. Copy the symbol and then use Paste on all Artboards. When you have changes to make, choose one instance, and select Edit Symbol from the Symbols pallet menu. Then any changes you make while in edit symbol mode will be reflected across all instances.