I am interested in "non-retirement" investing. i.e. an investment
that will keep me and one or two partners busy full-time for the
next several years.

e.g. What would be the typical income for someone who has invested
$100K cash into a full-time business?

Assume someone with average managing skills, not the next Lee Iacoca.

Breaking down the question into a little bit more precision:
- What are typical businesses that can be started or bought
for $100K in cash?
- How much can the $100K be stretched by financing?
- What would be the net income from the business if you do not
have to hire managers (the partners will manage the business -
only low-level employees need to be hired)?

I am interested in franchises, but the answer does not need to
be limited to that. 

Assume business will be located in a large city e.g. Chicago.

What's the general wisdom on buying a business? (books on
the subject, success stories, horror stories, etc).

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Request for Question Clarification by taxmama-ga on 21 Jan 2003 07:04 PST

Dear atr,

Just a bit of clarification, if I may?

Do you or your partner have any licenses, 
special training, education, language skills?

Also, what do you really enjoy doing?
With what kind of people do you enjoy spending time?

Let's face it, with $100,000, you have a great many
options. Why not choose something that will let you
both make a decent living AND really enjoy what you do?

Best wishes,

Your TaxMama-ga

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Clarification of Question by atr-ga on 21 Jan 2003 09:02 PST

I am looking for averages, worst-case scenarios, best-case scenarios,
anecdotal evidence only. I do not want to limit this initial survey
to businesses that I'm already partial to.

Assume no special skills other than general management. Any technicians
etc will need to be hired into the business.