Buying into an existing business is a high-stakes shortcut to entrepreneurship. You skip the "startup struggle," but you inherit the previous owner's history—both good and bad. 1. Identify Your Entry Point
Review at least 3 years of tax returns, P&L statements, and balance sheets. Watch out for "owner add-backs" (personal expenses run through the business). buying into an existing business
Once you sign an NDA, you get under the hood. You need to verify: Buying into an existing business is a high-stakes
Contact businesses in industries you know. Owners may be thinking about retirement but haven't listed yet. buying into an existing business
This is the "gold standard." If the seller carries a note for 20–30% of the price, it proves they believe in the business’s future success.