There are many ways to find businesses for sale. The most direct way is to ask the owner if he or she would consider an offer to sell. Also, go the Area Developer for a franchise you are considering and find out if they know franchisees who want to sell. Sometimes, the franchisor will have a structure for listing franchises for sale. Also, look online at www.bizbuysell.com, www.craigslist.com, eBay, and also Google. In California, there is a pretty comprehensive listing service known as www.bizben.com, and there may be similar sites in other states. Finally, check in with reputable business brokers in your area.