Have you considered buying an underperforming business instead? Codie Sanchez and Economic Ninja have good YouTube content. Franchises are Fiat imho.
Discussion
I tend to agree with that assessment…I have looked in the area we want to live and there isn’t much for sale via broker networks.
Word of mouth is the best. Id personally wait 6-12 months as I think things will look a lot different. Keep an eye out for older folks who might want to retire, leave the area or just need a change. Local divorce attorneys might have some leads.