Fundamentals of ETA
March 25, 2026
by an member from Mountain View College in Dallas, TX, USA
I’ve recently started learning more about entrepreneurship through acquisition and am trying to build a solid foundation before going deeper into deal sourcing.
I’m currently working full-time while studying Business Administration, and I’ve started looking into basic deal metrics (SDE, EBITDA, DSCR, etc.), but I want to make sure I’m learning this the right way.
For those who have been through this process:
What resources (courses, books, or tools) helped you actually understand how to evaluate a deal?
Are there any frameworks you recommend for breaking down small business acquisitions early on?
What’s something you wish you understood sooner when learning the numbers?
Appreciate any direction—trying to be intentional about building real understanding early.