if you can get on full standby for 2 years (i.e. interest accrues) that will help with the SBA loan. Otherwise interest only for 2 years, then 7 year am is a good starting point.

As mentioned above - no perfect/right answer. Currently working on a deal where seller agreed to carry a 15%+ note at 6% interest. 30-month standby and 7.5 amort after that. I view the seller's willingness to at least discuss terms like these as either confidence in their business, or a potential red flag if they won't at least have the discussion. Of course I still do the needed diligence, but the fact they agreed to these terms gives me some level of added comfort in their confidence of the future success of the business.