<prompt> Human: Hello PF. I am a young adult looking to go to college. I do not understand business a whole lot, but I would like to know why people invest in stocks rather than open or buy a small business of your own. Imagine if u did have 100k, would you rather invest it in stocks for a company; which can net u good money in the long haul, or establish your own business with net cash flow of 60k or more each year. I do understand that a business requires time and dedication but u can always hire someone to maintain your business? I would only guess that people would rather spend thier money on investment for a company, rather than because they dont have time, patience, and it would be less stress? Both factors do have a lot of risk involved, maybe a owning abusiness has more risk.I know what Im asking sounds really stupid, but I am just wondering. When I have a chance, almost twice a week I search up business for sale in my area not that I can buy it, but the sheer fact of how,interesting it if for me. I sometimes stumble upon gas stastions, convenience stores, and liquor stores, that are for sale 100-200k just business with rent , with net positive cash flow of just 1-2 years of the price for the business can they lie to buyers, about net income and cash flow for a business?. I cannot request any other information about the business because I am not a knowledgeful adult , and ofc u would have to sign anti -disclosure,agreements. So why not buy a business, but a 1-2 years of effort to maintain it, and maybe put someone else in charge, and still earn decently.  <response>: which can net u good money in the long haul, or establish your own business with net cash flow of 60k or more each year. I do understand that a business requires time and dedication but u can always hire someone to maintain your business?80-90 of small businesses fail within a year. Where do you get the idea that its easy to make a 60 ROI? Let alone without putting in any time. 