Trying to validate a service business idea before I go too far with it

I’m working on building a service business and I’m trying to figure out if the direction actually makes sense before I keep pushing harder.
The basic idea is helping small businesses clean up and improve their backend operations.

The services would include things like:

Setting up or improving CRMs

Lead management

Pipeline tracking

Appointment setting systems

Daily reporting

Hiring and managing virtual assistants

Follow up systems

Basic sales process support

AI automation for repetitive admin tasks

Automating parts of intake, lead routing, follow ups, reporting, and data cleanup

The goal is not to sell some massive “AI agency” hype package. I want it to be more practical. A small business owner has leads coming in, missed follow ups, messy spreadsheets, no real pipeline, no consistent reporting, and too much manual work. I want to come in, organize the process, put systems in place, and help them actually execute.
Where I’m stuck is the niche.
I’ve looked at roofing companies, HVAC companies, insurance agencies, real estate teams, contractors, and other local service businesses. Roofing seems interesting because a lot of companies have sales teams, inbound leads, storm damage leads, door knockers, messy follow up, and a real need for better systems. But I’m not sure if that’s the best niche to attack first.
Part of me thinks I should pick one niche and go all in. Another part of me thinks the service applies to a lot of small businesses, so I don’t want to box myself in too early.
The offer I’m considering is a monthly retainer where we help with operations, CRM, lead follow up, appointment setting support, reporting, and AI automation where it actually makes sense. Not just selling automation for the sake of it.

My main questions are:

Is this a service business worth pursuing?

Would small businesses actually pay for this if positioned correctly?

Which niche would you attack first?

Should I focus on roofing and home services, or go broader?

What would make this offer more compelling?

What would make you immediately ignore this if someone pitched it to you?

I’m not looking for validation just to feel good. I’m trying to pressure test the idea and figure out if this is worth committing to, or if I need to narrow it down and reposition it before spending more time on outreach.