Can I use my iPad as the only monitor to my Mac mini?

Yes, this is perfectly possible.

You’ll first need to use a standard monitor to set-up the Mac in “headless mode” - and install a third-party App, AstroPad Luna Display.

AstroPad have published an article that describes precisely what you need - and how:

https://astropad.com/getting-started/headless-mode-with-luna-display/

No. That will not work. This is because there is no direct connection between your Mac Mini and your iPad. You can use the Screen Mirroring feature of the Mac Mini with your iPad, however, you will still require an external display to boot up with your Mac Mini and then slelect Screen Mirroring.

Axel F.

You are welcome.

Axel F.

You’re very welcome. I’m delighted that we’ve managed to identify a solution for your needs.