$500k is a sizable liquor store, one with a special inventory, or a location that has property included in the deal. You're realistically looking at $200k - $300k for most existing liquor stores.
Dry cleaning operations are strong choices at that price point. They have some of the lowest failure rates of any small business according to the SBA loan registry, have high margins, and are fairly simple to administer. A $500k investment would be sufficient to secure a number of drop locations and a commercial wash plant.
You may also want to consider becoming a "master" franchisee for a senior care business. This allows you to sell franchises, collect royalties, and develop an entire area of business.
If you're interested in getting information on any of these options, let me know.

Hey Sean Checkout the business I put in the web reference. The seller is motivated to sell and is willing to offer some financing. The best buyer to buy from is an eager one. Good Luck

Web reference: http://www.bizbuysell.com/Business-Opportunity/Virtual-Internet-business-with-11-million-in-inventory-Cheap/668150/?d=%2fwEFWiUyZmJ1c2luZXNzZXMtZm9yLXNhbGUlMmYlM2ZxJTNkJTJmd0VGSVhCbWNtOXRQVGMxTURBd01DWndkRzg5TnpVd01EQXdKbkowY3oweEpuYzljUSUzZCUzZA%3d%3d

alcohol related biz needs small investment - moneyguy410@lycos.com for details

by the way Sean i can already see you made alot of new friends

before anything i would pray about it thats alot of money and youll need God and someone you trust good luck

Check out our blog, which addresses your question: http://combrokerbusiness.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/what-kind-of-business-should-i-buy-or-start/

Web reference: www.bafgroup.com

We got into our business so we could sell fun stuff and make money at the same time. We have it for sale for $345,000, plus inventory which some can be floor planned through the companies. We are a power sports business,we sell Boats, ATV's, docks, Kayaks, canoes, trailers, and have a full service department. It has done well for us and we want to retire early. If interested, email psbforsale@myway.com

Sean
I disagree with the people who discourage the buyers from going into new businesses. As a matter of fact
if you buy a well set business with a track record of consistent sales and income and if it is coming with longtime working of employees( not less than 3 as if one employee may runaway and jeoperdize your consistent income) there is no harm in taking this well calculated risk. It is just like that if you don'topen a new book you don't know what you were missing. I have sold several businesses during last 15 years
to new successfull buyers.
I have a gas station listed for sale that is 90% independant absentee owner run in orange county California that is generating 180k to 200k net with that investment of 500k. If interested contact me:
Sid0653@hotmail.com

Ted,
We have a tremendous opportunity in which you will need a fraction of that $500k, yet will net you between $200-700k - no BS! There is no other opportunity or existing business available that will offer you the financial opportunity that this will, and you can operate from your area.
e-mail bill@billgans.com or call me at 516 227-0100 and we can discuss it.
Bill Gans

The best business would be the online business growing bigger than retail in some cases, and expected by 2015 to be larger than the offline retail markets. I'm heavily in the online game with over 200+ websites most generating passive income :) Email me if your interested in doing some business together. sales@trafficboxer.com

Sean,
It should be a business you know front to back and are prepared to work lots of hours at. Do NOT invest in a type of business that is new to you. If you do, the odds are slim that you will be successful.
Mike

a wine store would be a great investment as this is one of the investment classified recently as the 10 best investments to do over the next few years. The compounded growth over the next 5 years is estimated to be above 5%. another type of business seeing great success are bakeries. Now in both cases, you need to not only understand the business but also to have some experience as this is always key to success.

Its all about return on your investment and getting a great deal on a good business. 50% of buyers on here will overpay for a business. You will make a lot more money and be a lot more secure of your deal is structured correctly. Please email me directly for additional questions and to review our firms success rate. Josh@phxdeal.com

Web reference: www.phxdeal.com

Sean email me I have a product we are trying to get into Wal-mart and toys r us
Thanks info@ameritekglobal.com

Sean email me directly poshplayers@aol.com