Seems like a decent initial goal and looked up the drone specs/cost - not too bad. IR/Thermal is an area I would like to expand into, but I am just getting started. It's been a bit of journey and it was spurred along by the 'ro.
Started researching in April and somewhere through the summer I came up with the company name, logo, LLC registration, domain, etc. Purchased a M2P in October and set about learning to fly, edit videos, etc.
For me, my business model (rough framework really) was real estate, marketing, construction and perhaps visual inspections (roofing, etc.). I have a full time job, sort of currently, that is paying the bills with more free time (making less of course). So I can play around with my business and business model. I don't need to make money, but that is a desired end state.
Barring get hooked up with high end realty or mass volume "regular" stuff, I am not expecting that to be a significant revenue source. Realtors are cheap I learned, hence the volume required. I would also be more marketable if I did both the aerial and indoor stuff. Not sure I want to invest more money at this point on ground based stabilized camera. But, I am offering the services and will see where it leads at this point.
Marketing, construction and visual inspections I think have better potential.
Not sure where you are in your journey, but I do have two things to point out I learned along the way.
1) Since you are looking at specifically inspections, the DJI drone may be limiting to growing your overall business model.
I don't think residential will be an issue and not likely commercial. If you start looking at state level or federal property, that may become more problematic. It all started in 2017 as I understand it when the US Army ceased all use of DJI products. I suspect US Intell discovered data flowing back to China. Shocker. In the following years, Congress brought about bipartisan legislation (also a shocker) that basically bans their use at the federal level and bans using federal funds to purchase them. Supposedly DJI has rectified any issues, but I don't see the feds changing that stance.
There were some non-chineese drones, but I stuck with the DJI because it was just the better product IMHO with a HUGE user base. My initial business model didn't really require a non-DJI product. I can always buy one too.
I haven't spent anymore time digging into this issue since looking at this aspect last spring as I made the decision to stick with DJI.
You could certainly start with the DJI and purchase something else down the line. But, I would make sure that you aren't going to hit any roadblocks on that front in your area starting out with the DJI drone.
2) I purchased the Smart Controller. Overall, I really like it. Biggest drawback is that is not as easy to load 3rd party apps, especially automation apps for mapping/pre-programmed inspection routes. In reviewing the M2EA page, I was excited to see a shot of the SC with an App called PILOT that appeared to have routing functionality. Alas, it was just for the Enterprise Mavic. If you are going to go with the SC, you might read up on the Pilot App functionality to make sure it meets your needs. If not, probably better to go with the standard controller where you can easily install the apps for that functionality. Not really an issue for you, per se, but others might be reading this thread too and benefit from that. I am not saying you can't load those apps on a SC, just that it isn't as easy or straight forward. Some folks have had issues getting them to run properly, etc.
I am admittedly new to this field, so if I am off the mark anywhere on my two concerns above - I am sure someone will be quick to point it out. I am all ears as I learn along this journey. It's been fun and helped me put my extra free time to good use.