I bought a Direct Lift from my neighbor last year and only have two regrets; I wish I'd bought one sooner and with 220v motor vs 110v. I wired the outlet for 220v when I built the garage but the deal was too good to pass up but now I have to live with waiting almost a minute for the lift to raise to the top. I also recommend getting aluminum ramps.
My ceiling is 11'10" so I'm able to raise the car to the max height without any interference above or below. Assuming you're raising a lower profile car, you might be able to get underneath to wrench and/or store another low profile car. As far as a door opener for, I wouldn't consider anything else but a Liftmaster.
