Hi Steve,
Firstly you will need to go on a course for carpet & upholstery cleaning. Prochem do the courses. Your budget will determin what type of machine you buy and if you buy new or used. Prochem & HydraMaster will be able to supply you with a very good portable or truckmount along with very good chemicals. You will here alot about other machines & chemicals but to be honest i would stick with Prochem & or HydraMaster. Contact details are below;
Prochem Europe Ltd.
Oakcroft Road
Chessington
Surrey KT9 1RH
United Kingdom
Telephone (UK): 020 8974 1515
HydraMaster Ltd
United Downs Ind Park ,
United Downs,
St. Day,
Redruth,
Cornwall
TR16 5HY
08707 666998
Hope this helps you with your new venture.
Richie.