In Homestead nearby a large shopping center, a vacant bank building had a barbershop in the basement.

It's very informal, with a bunch of people sitting around talking shop over food and drinks beginning at 6:00 and lasting till 8:30 or until they close the place at 10:00. : ) Lately there have been about 30-35 people at the last few meetings, and a large percentage of them have come as a result of networking here on BP. 

I have a very good friend in LaCrosse and he is currently shopping for one or two.

Mind you I had no idea that this entire transaction had taken place until I spoke with Jane at that moment.The property at Rock St. isn't exactly rent ready; The Property manager knew this, and brought it to my attention and sent me estimates of repair so I had been shopping around for bids to get the place fixed up as I normally do.The details of the transaction with Jane and Bob have now come to my attention via Jane (not Bob who should have informed me long before any of this had taken affect).Bob claims that a lease was signed or agreed upon (at least verbally) for a discounted rent amount under the understanding that Jane would do some or all of the repairs.

I once wrote a piece on the importance of knowing your customer (i.e. where they work, shop, eat, etc.).

Still shopping around for a good market to start out in, and Worcester is on my list.

I'd definitely shop for a back-up buyer right about now.

It seems in our experience, that no matter how profitable the business is, they're still afraid of small businesses closing up shop and they're left holding the bag.

I say "best" in that NJ/NY have rules which tend to favor the tennant over the owner/landlord, property/land values can be more reasonable, and that I can get out to PA on weekends to meet people and shops deals.

Anyone who has tried to go grocery shopping recently, for instance, can attest to that.