Vending machines are GREAT ideas, especially in office buildings. You can even look into schools (though it's hard to imagine any school in America that DOESN'T already have one). They seem to be low maintenance and people raid them during the day. You'd easily make money off of it. I've also thought about a franchise, but I don't know how good an idea that would be. I know that there are a few joints that I'm sure would be a HIT here in BR with all the N.O. transplants that are living here. But what's my problem? NO EMPLOYMENT, NO INCOME!!! But just wait until I cross that stage!
I am DEFINITELY going into real estate once I finish school. I am going to try to get back on at my old job this summer and try to figure out the legal side of it. It's wonderful being an attorney sometimes because there are so many things that we can do for ourselves.
Good luck!!