Yesterday I was sitting with a seller and planning out his retirement. Yes, you heard me right -- retirement planning. We were calculating his monthly living expenses, medical insurance, life insurance, etc, and then working backwards to see if the deal would support that.
THAT is how you know you're speaking to the right seller.
We're negotiating a deal to hopefully sign an LOI soon - with really great terms (property purchase paid upfront (secured bank debt) + entire business 100% seller financed), and the seller has agreed to the deal. He said the valuation is fair, the terms are fair, and he's happy. Now it's just hinging on whether or not the deal proceeds will support him until the end of his life.
I've spoken a few times about which sellers to look for, and which to steer clear from. This is the exact frame you need sellers to be in, in order to do solid, reasonable, and constructive deals.
Make sure you are speaking to the right sellers. The ONLY moving part in whether or not you can build a holding company, roll up, or buy your first business with zero money down is the motivated seller.
The right deals come from the right sellers. Bring the right deal to the bank, and they will throw the capital at you. All you need to do is find that seller.