I suspect the main problem here is not setting a FQDN under the IP settings. Once I set vcenter.mydomain.com I could complete the setup using the wizard and default settings.
My steps
Check NTP on ESXi host correct
Connect using browser
Accept EULA.
Cancel the setup wizard
System | Time Zone | Set Accordingly
Network | Address | Set static IPV4 | Set Auto IPV6 | Set DNS. Be sure to set a FQDN i.e. vcenter.mydomain.com
Reconnect to new IP
vCenter Server | Utilties | Setup Wizard
Select Configure with default settings.
Next
Summary should have:
Database: Embedded
SSO: Embedded
SSO Database: Embedded
AD Enabled: No
Start