I run my full time detailing business out of my garage for 3 years. I had the city and HOA sign off on it. Even had my neighbors sign off on it and with that said I sound proof my garage so they can't hear anything while the equipment is running. I'm very lucky my neighborhood has a live work...
I use it on most my customers cars I'm getting about 3-5 months depending on how well maintained the cars is. You dilute it 1-3 or 1-4 I wouldn't do anymore than that. This is come form Corey at Carpro. I use it on windows and wheels too.
The easiest way to do this is too look at other detail shops in your area and see what their charging and go from there. You need to decide what kind of detailing you want todo higher end work or production work. This will help you set your prices to. Do some research it will make your life much...
Ever steamer tells you to use distilled water from what I've seen. For extractors doesn't really matter to much. Steamers need distilled water so the lines won't build up with crap. Not sure what steamer Aero is talking about unless he is talking about a steam cleaner and not a vapor steamer.