I live with my parents because I'm going through school right now and so I can't really bring targets home. I should be getting a car soon, but it probably won't be one of decent quality.

Any tips on how to make these seem less like DLVs?

Don't mention to a girl you live with your folks. If she asks, just can try being coy like "whoa im not ready to have you move in yet" or "its a palatial estate, but you arnt cleared for security quite yet". Whatever, she doesn't need to know until she is ready to go, then it is a real issue, but deal with it at that point with other logistics you already have worked out, or her place.

As far as the car goes, having a bucket is way less of a problem then you think, and any car is way better then being on foot. Ive had shit cars and nice cars and ive noticed very little difference in my success.