Looks like you’re just covering your bases with generic responses to us though. 

The garage does have electric ran with a small meter base.

Set a reasonable salary for yourself (based on market standards) to ensure a stable income.

I am an aspiring new real estate investor based in CT looking to use the power of real estate as a wealth building tool and income producing asset class.

I'm a CT based investor myself. 

I can only speak to the Texas market, where malls that focus on creating consumer experiences (coffee shops, kids play area, entertainment-based tenants) are still performing well even in this age of online shopping.  

Some tenants even sort based on sub-structure so just making sure all of the details are as precise as possible. 

I don't immediately see any reason that their basic home value and rent indexes should be considered fundamentally flawed based on that connection.

I wouldn’t purchase a STR property anywhere it wouldn’t work as a MTR or LTR unless its local economy is based on STR.

With 179 you are going to be limited based on your percentage of business use with the vehicle (so still need to track mileage), and if you go under 50% business use you can end up with a recapture of your prior 179 deduction - income with no related cash flow is always a bit uncomfortable!