Owning Stores in Fable TLC??

[Musicteachersheff]

I noticed when looking at my Stats last night that there is a place for "stores owned" of course it says zero. My strategy guide doesn't mention a way to purchase stores....is this possible and how is it done?

Also it mentioned that you can own more than the one house you can buy in each town by killing it's owner? Is that true? Kill the owner and you own the house and can rent it out?

Thanks