I also am just starting up my business. After reading many posts in this forum I decided not to skimp on a heat press.
I will mainly be doing vinyl transfers, with a 24" cutter, and some prints with transfer paper.
I have seen alot of posts about import heat press problems. Uneven heating, incorrect heat ranges, heat elements burn out too fast, etc.
I didn't want to get frustrated with that before I even got started. I decided to buy am import cutter and put more money into my heat press. I choose the Hotronix STX20 because of the reliability, auto opener, digital temp, time and pressure readouts, and customer service. I used Coastal Business in the preferred vendor list and they gave me 5% off and free shipping.
My first vinyl transfer came out amazing!

The look, quality and feel was that of a high line T-shirt.
Hope this helps in making your decision.