answer:Know why you’re buying a business. It sounds basic but if there are multiple options you need to know your priorities. Are you looking for something you’re personally interested in? Are you looking for the maximum return on your money. Are you just trying to keep yourself busy? Are you going to work there? Why are you buying a business instead of starting one? Why is the business being sold? Do you want to grow the business, maintain it, or just keep the doors open? Who’s working the business and what sorts of key positions will you need to continue running things? For most businesses, people are the biggest expense and the most valuable resource. Do the people who work the business now going to continue working there? Are they happy? Are they going to leave right after it’s sold/bought? Are they willing to sign on for a couple of years after you buy? Does the business have any existing contracts? Either as existing work or widgets they’ll be paid for or existing obligations to vendors or services? For example are they signed up with an accounting firm? Outside tech support? A lawyer who gets a monthly retainer? How long are those contracts? Is the business broker also an adviser you trust? You should probably have someone you trust (or several someones) do some research (due diligence) before you put any money in or sign anything. It should be fairly standard that the business will be able to provide some sort of financial information for you to look over. It’s exciting stuff, good luck with it.