Those funnel cake folks sure have a big blast of typical marketing blitz. It didn't impress me either; 'smelled fishy'...and you'll have to travel to Mississippi from Ohio...they'll have a LOT of equipment that they'll 'let you have at a really terrific price.'..
But hey, I'm a wary, often cynical person.
Did you spend the summer at fairs and festivals to check out the vendors? Funnel cakes and elephant ears often go together. A lot of smaller festivals don't double up on vendors selling the same stuff. Another issue is grease and oil disposal; there are very specific rules about it. But people do love that stuff at carnivals and fairs!
And consider the source when you ask for advice from aquaintances and family. They usually say 'nay' to eager entrepeneurs even though they themselves have no experience or little knowledge of the business.
BTW--My husband and I do 'quick italian' because the niche was wide open; there are mostly Asian, Mexican, hot dogs, BBQ, and a few other ethic here in the Northwest. (We don't do any deep-frying: too much hassle and not very healthy)
Elaine C