http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLixKIxwCWU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLixKIxwCWU)
I've funded several franchise deals, and most of the franchisees I've worked with have never hired an attorney. However, I tend to work with low to middle-income people, and they do not have the money to pay for those type of services. I do recommend attorney services, and if you're unable to afford it, I suggest contacting the nearest SCORE, Women Business Center, or Small Business Development Center in your area for assistance.
Nonetheless, when considering the purchase of a franchise outside of your geographical territory, the biggest question you must ask yourself is, how reliant am I on the franchisor to advertise for me? If you're dependent on the franchisor to generate business for you, it's best not to purchase a franchise out of your geographical territory. The reason? From my experience, most franchisors will not spend advertising dollars in an area they do not have a strong footprint.
My most successful client purchased a franchise out of our geographical territory and is doing extremely well owing to being a great salesman. The franchise solved his inventory problem which is worth the annual cost of the franchise fee.