I cannot say I have done any research on Franchising.  From what I understand if the organization were set up as franchises it would create a very large pool to buy Health Insurance which would be one way to cut cost for investors.  The thought crossed my mind that small independent, mom and pop organizations have three problems.  Their health insurance cost are high, they hate doing billing after hours and they have no paid vacation time.  If there is some way to solve all three of those issues for the 2 and 3 person companies, there is a real possibility in putting something like this together in a profitable manner.
Matt