I'm looking at a deal where the industry multiple x SDE is significantly lower than what the seller is willing to accept. The business has a lot going for it. And, the owner likes me and we have a very good rapport - I've already met the team. Great operations manager to boot. I have been contemplating 2 different approaches if the seller isn't willing to accept the current market valuation. 1) become an employee. Straight up. I have no idea how to structure comp. Perhaps 50% of salary as cash and 50% accrues toward purchase. 2) become a minority owner. Buy in at current valuation, but perhaps $100k worth. Then, use those fund to pay for me as an employee while I grow and professionalize the business for the next year. Thoughts on those 2 approaches? Any other approaches? Or, should I just present current valuation and if it is a no deal, I should move on?