Andrew,
I don't have one. Sure I started a couple of steps behind an experienced guy but it is absolutely nothing you can't learn working with a couple of good mentors. NOTHING! Study hard to learn financial sheets so you can spot the good, the bad, and the really ugly. Structuring is just common deal making with a lot of new terms to learn. I look up much much less now but I still keep Google open to do a quick acronym or term search. Key is don't try to do it working alone in isolation. Remote[redacted]OK as long as somebody is reasonably on the other end for your questions. Best Of Luck[redacted]GO ANDY :-) LinkedIn as some really super training material and this site is the best.

I have an M&A background. Yes, it helps. However there is no bridge in the process that can’t be crossed by leaning on good advisors/mentors. At the end of the day, the buy is just the beginning and then the work begins. I do think however it behooves any searcher to learn basic investing tenets like risk and return and accounting, tax and legal considerations. None of these things give you an advantage or any keen insight, but they’ll fuel your curiosity with the context you need to ask the right questions.

Like Ben says Andy, once the acquisition is made[redacted]you still got to run it. Even if you hire or acquire a good CEO, never, Never, NEVER be in a position where you can't read between the lines in your financials and a lot of your legal fees can be mitigated if you learn how to do things yourself. Many "how tos"and templates are available telling you how to file various requirements. But be sure you have somebody very knowledgeable to oversee regulatory compliance. Much to specialized to be able to do yourself. Many advantages to buying an already well running one and just not touching anything for a while. Very Best Of Luck.