Franchising: Tips and advice

So wanting to franchise, what are the most important questions to think of and steps to take?

I am looking for ideas on the following:


1) Finance (how to get the money):

Is it only loans? Or what else?

2) Financial benefits: in how many months will I make money:
How to calculate that? any quick ideas?

3) Market penetration: im thinking of promotional campaigns, tv spots, billboards and special offers. how about that? any other ideas?

4) Market research: does this only involve seeing what kind of prices are out there and comparing them to mine?

I'd love to have some tips and ideas from those familiar...i guess its a wide but rich topic