I know independents that establish just to sell out. Win/win for them.
The only thing that stops me from pursing ownership is the lack of prospectus information. I am not going to shell out for a bogus membership just to find out that the for sale listings are as barren as the professional association job board. But I don't have a steady stream of income. If I did I would definitely shell out because it seems to be the only source of info out there. It's all so proprietary and secretive and I totally understand why. I guess you just have to be in the right place at the right time and be able to out bid the big box.