If it's not a hell yes, then is it really a no?

November 13, 2025

by a searcher in North Carolina, USA

I've been evaluating a business for a few weeks now. Most of the items in DD are good. Every deal has its hair. I fully understand what the day to day will be and am comfortable with it. While at the same time, I keep seeing folks refer to the principle, "if its not a hell yes, then its a no." I'm not feeling a hell yes on this business, but I do feel it will yield a positive outcome. Would appreciate the communities feedback on what made you so sure your deal was THE ONE.

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Reply by an investor
from Harvard University in Dallas, TX, USA

When you decide to buy, before you do, there comes a moment or an evening or some time when it hits you that, this is really it. Its about understanding you're saying no to all the other potential deals, to jobs and other life paths. Does it need to be a hell yes? No. But its like marriage. Doesnt "need" to be a hell yes, but more than 50% end in divorce. Depends how you want to love your life. Hell yes is probably the better option

Reply by a lender
from Cornell University in Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hi Anon - nice to meet you. This is a thoughtful question and a very common feeling during diligence. Not every strong acquisition will feel like a perfect fit emotionally. Lenders and experienced buyers look at the fundamentals instead. The real tests are whether the business shows stable tax return cash flow, whether adjusted EBITDA comfortably covers SBA debt at 1.25 times or more, whether customer concentration is reasonable, and whether you can see yourself operating it day to day. Many buyers never get a “hell yes” feeling. What they get is clarity. They see steady revenue, clean financials, a willing seller, and a structure that hits lender requirements. If the numbers hold up, the operations are manageable, and you can protect your downside, the decision often becomes much more analytical than emotional. We have a lot of experience financing first time buyers who work through this same dilemma via the SBA. If you ever need help talking through a deal, I am happy to help. We work with all the major SBA lenders. The bank pays us after your loan closes, so this is a 100 percent free service for you. You can email me directly at redacted or schedule a meeting with me: https://cal.com/francodeguzman/30min. Look forward to chatting!

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