Unable to load the Windows GUI, or authenticate the server software, when installing Windows Server 2016 Standard, downloaded from MS VLSC, on a HP Proliant server

I am attempting to install MS server 2016 standard on a HP Proliant server.  I have succeeded in installing an ISO version of MS server 2016 standard core from the Microsoft VLSC website.  However the OS boots to a CMD.exe login and then leaves me at the CMD.exe command line interface.  When trying to authenticate the server OS software the SLUI.exe app fails due to missing .EXE files and it appears that there is no way to load a windows GUI, as no GUI apps are listed as being available in the installation package.  After spending many hours with MS tech support, at various levels and departments, I have been told that I need to open a support ticket that will cost me $499, in order to solve this problem.

The server's primary function is to run one multi-user application that needs MS SQL Server 2018 Standard running under MS Windows Server 2016.  The installation of the database for the multi-user application is done remotely through a browser running in the Windows GUI.

Any help in getting this server properly setup would be appreciated.  Thanks.