Reddit mentions of Autel MaxiCOM MK808 OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool with All System basic diagnostic functions and combination of Service Functions including Oil Reset, EPB, BMS, SAS, DPF, TPMS

This is the code reader I bought my little brother. While it's no where near as nice as mine but it works and gets you the most basic information you could ever need on a day to day basic maintenance.

Personally I have a PLX Kiwi3 adapter and use OBDFusion app ($9.99). OBDFusion has some vehicle-specific enhanced diags add-ons ($9.99 ea). I own the add-ons for Nissan and Toyota which gives me something like 1,000 PIDs for each platform. So, for example, I can read several hundred Nissan CVT PIDs and also several hundred Toyota hybrid battery parameters.

Keep in mind that by default most software-based solutions are very limited in terms of 'write' capability because this would require lots of testing and could break something. Thus OBDFusion (and most software solutions) cannot do oil reset, nor many functions that require bi-directional communication with the vehicle OBDII interface.

OBDFusion has the capability to create 'dashboards' where you can monitor as many sensors as you want in real-time. You can also record/log sensor data and it overlays GPS data from the smartphone, so you can track MPG or see what your fuel trims were on a particular stretch of road.

Keep in mind the interfaces of almost all software-based solutions are very cryptic and require a lot of digging around, so if you expect these to be a quick and easy troubleshooting tool, you will be disappointed.

My advice is that in terms of quick troubleshooting and actual component testing. Autel makes some pretty nice scan tools starting at the $500 price point.

A bluetooth solution is great for looking at data, but a proper scan tool can set/reset many parameters and in some cases do basic oscilloscope functions as well.

https://www.auteltech.com/

edit:
https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiCOM-MK808-Diagnostic-Diagnosis/dp/B0744B55QV/

https://www.obdsoftware.net/software/obdfusion

>OBD Fusion now supports enhanced diagnostics for Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Enhanced diagnostics provide access to additional modules such as ABS, Airbag, Transmission, 4x4, and Body Control modules. You also get access to hundreds of additional parameters that are not available over standard OBD2. Enhanced diagnostics are available through an In-App Purchase in OBD Fusion.

https://www.plxdevices.com/Kiwi-3-OBD-Car-to-Smartphone-Connection-p/897346002832.htm

I've run the numbers and I personally am not going to focus on oil changes. There are so many quick lube places that are charging less than $30 and it is simply not possible to compete. To compete, you will need to buy in large quantities which will be a pain with the variety of weights and types of oil out there. My 2 cents there.. I do plan to offer it as a service but not as my primary.

General maintenance including brakes, CEL, etc are what I'm hoping to do primarily. I'm looking to buy an Autel Scanner to help troubleshoot and speed work up faster than a basic OBD2 scanner can do. This may be a good entry level scanner if you're not wanting to drop $5k just yet on a Bosch

Check out this post, it is almost certainly related: https://www.reddit.com/r/sweatystartup/comments/cl38yi/4_month_update_left_engineering_job_to_run_mobile/

I assume having only 1 year of experience you do not hold any ASE certs? I don't either and I don't have business experience, more just garage work for friends and family over the years. I've swapped transmissions, built engines, replaces almost every component with a timing belt being the one I'm not acquainted with and that concerns me the most, though if I can do some research I imagine it's not too bad to do assuming other parts aren't in the way.

Vehicle wise I currently have a sedan with a large trunk. To me, this doesn't look professional and is fairly limiting. That said, I need to acquire a lot more tools depending on the work I get hired for. I think I need to upgrade to a truck shortly after starting.

A couple ideas for marketing. First, go to businesses and see if they will let you perform the maintenance in their lot/garage for employees. My current office has a detailing service on site a couple times a month. This could be great for getting new clients and helping drive referrals, no idea the cost if any. Second, go to small businesses with fleets. Offer to perform routine maintenance on their fleet during off hours which could help increase revenue. You hopefully will get called out to fix issues as they arrive. I believe these partnering tactics could really help grow.

Good luck and get started immediately! (I'm telling myself the same thing)