https://www.alexbridgeman.com/podcast/jules-brenner-life-as-a-searcher-ep-24

^[redacted]‌ No need for the LLC upfront - only need it once you are in the LOI stage. Here are my suggestions for getting started.

1) Read all of the intro docs (HBR how to buy a business, stanford/harvard docs)
2) Create a website
3) Decide on whether or not you need a CRM - lots of posts out there on the kinds and pros/cons
4) Start aggregating lists of brokers
5) Sign up for aggregator platforms (Axial, interexo, buybizsell,etc.)
6) Start talking to searchers, bankers, investors
7) Get reps in reviewing businesses
8) Create some theses around businesses & research businesses in the space

If you have questions - feel free to reach out.

To add to the above, I think it's smart to develop your investment criteria (size, industry, geography) and investment thesis, then shop that around for thoughts and adjust it as needed. I would also learn about financing options - then take your range of enterprise value and outline how you might finance an acquisition across that range. If you need investors to acquire a company at your upper end, start those discussions. Along with your website, build a one-page 'story to share' document / networking brochure that you can attach to emails and leave behind when you have meetings. Create a network of at least 100 people as part of your prep so you can hit the ground running on day 1. This network can include current business owners, brokers, buyer's agents, investors, private equity, investment banks, lawyers, accounting firms, financial planners, banks, marketing companies, insurance agents, business consultants, and other searchers. You may also join your local DealMakers or ACG (Association of Corporate Growth) chapters. There are tons of podcasts, case studies, webinars, etc. - explore as many as you can before your search starts! If you've already launched, have one of your workstreams be "learning" and set goals each week.

I think acquiring a mentor who has experience in the search space would help lots. They'd be useful in introducing you to their network of contacts, whether it could be possible investors, lenders to approach, m&a advsiors, while overall helping you navigate through the entire process.