In everything you do there is a degree of risk, and while you might think that common sense is all one needs to evaluate a new business opportunity, common sense is not even half as common as most people seem to think. Learning how to take a carefully calculated risk takes time.
Some businesses have much more growth potential than others.
Personal service businesses like hair styling, dentistry, copy writing, design, interior decorating, consulting, etc., are difficult to grow because practically everyone will want the personal attention of the owner rather than his or her assistant. Look for a business where you can hire the expert help you are likely to need. Don't ever buy work with money. If you do, all you will be doing is exchanging one type of employment for another. In fact, you should never buy or start a business with the intention of doing all the work yourself.