"rent" the buildings in the towns that are more or less unused anymore. Imagine renting the smithy shop in Jhelom. You now have employees (with salaries) Fire the NPC's, give them raises, make them "work" for you - whatever you want (as long as your rent/taxes are paid up). They can sell your items, ect. Kinda a more interactive vendor than the ones that just stand there quietly.
Rent the Playhouse, have a party, have a play, have a auction.
Rent a unoccupied building, set up home. Just be carefull about getting evicted. Those buildings are rarely used. Heck, rent out rooms in the INN, thats what usually happens at an inn, your room for XXX days, payment in advance please.