The insurance companies make money on the personal auto, personal umbrella, other personal lines coverages, but over time take a loss on the property. 

I realize you are in FL which may change the mechanics of how one actually records a Deed or Deed of Trust but not the laws that dictate whether or not it can be recorded.

I want to get my hands dirty if for no other reason than to learn the mechanics behind this business.

Caveat: I work in an entitlements/site civil engineering focused office, but don't know your local laws, P&Z ordinances ect.We have a client right now that is under contract to purchase an old auto dealership.

It helps alot when you know how to talk to people, my fulltime job I am a salesman/mechanic.

When you can buy an asset that a family can live in cheaper than the Chevrolet at the corner used car lot.. you have to buy.My basic experience is as a sub-prime auto finance lender.

@Justin Fraser Yes, it's disconcerting trying to get all the mechanics working, but it always (usually) seems to work out!

in the same link you posted...the lien shall be valid against any purchaser, holder of a security interest, mechanic’s lienor or judgment lien creditor, except with respect to properties or transactions specified in subsection (b), (c), or (d) ofsection 6323 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for which a notice of tax lien properly filed on the same date would not be valid.

Remember a lot of these folks are working in areas and are really acting more like Auto mobile wholesalers IE its the same price they pay or tie up a home for that auto guys pay for used cars etc...

Is the "Garage" you speak of meaning an Auto Shop of some type?