Small Business Startup Advice

I received notice today that the franchise lawn care company I work for is selling/shutting down after this season. I was offered a chance to buy out the company. I've worked with the company for 11 years and helped open and manage this franchise for 6 years. I'm interested in purchasing the company but would like to operate it independently and drop the franchise. The company is very small and grosses a bit over 100k per year with basically myself as a full time technician and occasionally a seasonal employee for about a month. So basically my thoughts are to purchase the customer list and most of the equipment. The franchise fees were 8% annually. My customer base has an average retention rate of 87% averaged over the last 6 years. I also am the main technician and have good relationship with my customers...the company has around 350 active accounts. This is all new(received notice this Wednesday) and just starting to formulate a modified business plan. I know I'll have to setup a new LLC and get my own liability insurance. Setup a new shop/setup a home office and modify or get new account management software (currently using RealGreen which should be adaptable but expensive) and get new paper products (cards, flyers, invoice blanks, po box, ect). Also new marketing campaigns (phone book, website, ect). I'm thinking of setting up a meeting with the college business department, they do free small business consulting. The company has been growing about 15-20% annually but not fast enough to be good enough for a national franchise.

I'd appreciate your thoughts, advice, guidance of helping me get on the right track.

Thank You