If I had to go through all that every time I wanted to image, I'd very quickly lose motivation, and it would sit in the garage (or wherever) gathering dust.

May I suggest either a Telegizmos cover, or a JMI Wheely Bar?

With the cover, just leave it setup outside.

With the wheely bar, you leave it fully assembled, and just wheel it outside from the garage or shed or wherever.

Lucky you - you have a garage!

No, I would not trust the general population in my neighbourhood with a free ride to my kit.

If I am to have a permanent setup then it would probably be securely under lock and key at an undisclosed location.