Amazing quote from @redacted‌ to headline this WSJ article on ETA. Top 10 ways to make it back alive: 1) Put more cash on the balance sheet at close than you think you need 2) Have close-in advisors, ideally with skin in the game, who have already done what you're trying to do 3) Make diligencing the character and integrity of the seller your #1 priority 4) Pay the money for a strong Quality of Earnings analysis (the best aren't always the most expensive, but they're not the cheapest) 5) Pay the money for a strong M&A attorney (same rule applies as above) 6) Maintain as much post-close liquidity for yourself as you can (liquid assets you have outside the business) 7) Meet as many of the team members of the target company pre-close as possible 8) Get the bank giving you an SBA loan to also give you a line of credit at close (and then never draw on this line except in absolute emergencies) 9) Talk to people who have acquired, invested, or operated in the industry you're acquiring in, as many as possible 10) Don't overpay. Hit me with any that you'd rank more highly than these 10 :) redacted