HI lawmich,
A bit of background:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/David-Hows/internet/David-Hows-Real-Estate-InveStar-Steals-people-money-in-a-phony-franchise-scam-Ashmore-In-701718
Cheers Spades.
Ps.Save your $$$ and do your research via REA. and alike.