Daniel,
I have been perplexed and at a loss of words since you joined. I have largely not commented out of fear of bursting your bubble and coming off like a jerk. I am a fairly blunt guy. Tact is a Tack sans the k add a t in my book. What people are getting at is.
In the short the detailing industry has issues. It is easy for people to get into (cheap) and a halfway decent ad on CL will produce work. The problem is they are not licensed and insured. They skip out, damage cars, and generally give good detailers a bad overall image.
I applaud you for approaching it in the manner you have chosen. Please don't be taken aback by the responses you are reading. The responses are given with good cause. It is not the norm in todays society to see a young man with the conviction you display. To many it seems over eager. Couple that with the trust, by helping you along professionals are putting their trust, good name, and reputations in the hands of a 14 year old young man 5 or more states away. Think on that carefully. The men here Jimmy buffit, Setec Astronomy, mirrorfinishman to name a few have more individual exp than 20 of the average regular posters combined. When it comes to detailing, they have seen it, done it, and experienced every fad for the last 25 years (ketch's case 40+_). They have seen what used to be an artisan's standard degrade to a 500 dollar online kit. They have watched as guys come and go. As shops open and close. They are basing their skepticism in historical fact. Their knowledge of paints, paint systems, defects, and various tools, processes, and skill sets is out standing. You are getting their attention, and they are helping more than you know. It may not be what you want to read or hear. You should think about it carefully and to the best extent you can. Their advice comes with a lot of weight. That in and of it's self is the highest form of compliment i could honestly hope for.
What you need is not a shop of your own, but an apprenticeship. There are probably specific rules for such a thing in your state. Possibly find a mentor who will teach you from the ground up. vacuuming, to billing, to purchasing. I know i have set up a few people with the local community college instructor. He is able to train them in that mannor as an apprentice.
That is my two cents in a world of 20 dollar bills.
... MAN its going to BE AWESOME! All you VW boys will be very happy to see this!