I'm looking to learn and more importantly, have the support of like-minded people when things aren't going so well.  

Make your offers accordingly.Math Response:Purchase a duplex for 100k, 10% down, 5% interest. 1% property tax rate on 100k.Insurance is $50/monthSo PITI (principle, interest, taxes, insurance) is ~700/month (Mortgage Calc)So if you your market can support $700/month for the other side of the duplex, you can live for only the cost of repairs.  

People die, become incapacitated, or incarcerated, again, courts may hold up payments, while in default a lender may not proceed.Collateral is destroyed by insured perils but it's not sufficient to pay a second off.Other liens can take priority, child support, tax liens, student loans or government debts, so check the priority of liens, but what also might be the likelihood liens might be created that can still go the head of the line.Fraud in the origination process, by the lender, it may not be discovered until later on, arising from some other matter.I have  no idea what Dave does on a recourse basis.

That being said I feel the franchise route will enable me to support such a growth model without compromising customer service and quality.

I put people in business, paid my staff, supported my family and was very well compensated for my efforts.

And this supports the point that online forums such as BP have their place but are no substitute for doing your own legal research.

I was just wondering if the current up-swing market supports value play investing or is it better right after a price correction period?

Again, thanks for the support!

Does the area have jobs that support higher rent $?

They have been a great support group for myself and my buddy.