Here goes:I have an experienced small business owner in the family looking to get into a new business (fast food chain).

Don't want to be eating cat food in retirement.Anyway, we think we might we ready to invest in real-estate, but the thought of debt has scared us.

If you are able to get conventional financing and are in a strong position on your offer (buyers market that doesn't cater to cash-buyers too heavily) - the rates are better and often require less down payment. 

While I can understand that the mega-complexes with lots of turnover need to automate, we cater to tenants who do not want a large apartment complex living situation.

There are just soooo many factors that would go into the decision, but hopefully this may provide some food for thought.

Do you provide food at the events too? 

However, most of the job creation in this area has been driven in low paying service occupations in retail and food/hospitality, and if you have paid any attention to retail in the past few years, you know a lot of stores are in great peril right now.

My buddy is a commercial broker and found this property for us and thinks he can flip the property to a fast food restaurant or coffee place for 600K.

Louis would be willing to let me shadow a day, or let me pick your brain, I'd be willing repay with food, painting/small job work, manual labor, etc.

Just some food for thought.