I understand where you're coming from. I've lived in apartments with no garage, and just went ahead and did repairs in the parking lot anyway. But you cannot do major repairs that way. One huge problem is your tools will get stolen if you go back into your apartment to get something. It's all rather unpleasant.

But there are places in Seattle where you can rent a garage and the tools you need, for people in your situation. But I doubt it is cheap.