Hi everyone, I’m currently working through my first acquisition search and I’m at a crossroads between two paths, and I’d love to hear from people who’ve actually been through this. On one hand, I understand the traditional route of using SBA financing. It seems like the most structured and widely accepted way to acquire a small business, and I know it can open up a lot more opportunities in terms of deal size and bank-backed credibility. On the other hand, I’m really drawn to the idea of going directly to sellers and structuring deals through seller financing—ideally without a broker in the middle. I like the idea of having a more direct conversation with the owner, building trust, and potentially creating more flexible deal structures. My hesitation with the SBA path is the level of bureaucracy involved—multiple parties, underwriting layers, timelines, and a lot of moving parts that feel somewhat outside of my control. I fully understand the benefits, but I’m trying to weigh that against simplicity and control in a more direct seller-financed approach. I’m trying to learn from people who’ve actually been in the trenches, not just theory. Appreciate any insights or experiences you’re willing to share.