Try to find out if the parent company makes good on its promises. If it's a multi-level operation, you won't have any trouble getting people to talk with you but be sure to interview some in the organization who will not be profiting from your sales. Some multi-level groups encourage this type of networking. The questions you most want to ask will have to do with money. Business people may not want to tell you how much they're making, but don't be afraid to ask other owners how long it took to start turning a profit.
Most business people like to play the role of expert.
They'll have stories with happy endings and stories without. To get your business off on the right foot, you need to hear both kinds. So you have competition. Somebody else is getting some of the revenues that could be coming your way. If you're competing against a much larger company with more resources, you have your work cut out for you.