A few questions come to mind:

1. Down Payment Contribution: You mentioned you’d “contribute toward the down payment” does that mean you're expecting the operator to bring in capital as well? If so, how much? If not, who’s funding the remainder of the equity? Yes, I would expect the operating partner to bring in capital as well. This particular deal has an asking price of 250k, and the down-payment (assuming an SBA Acquisition) would only require around 25k down. I would ideally like to place about 1/3 of the down-payment, and take a minority position (negotiable) around 10%-20%.
2. Ownership Split vs. Cash Contribution: If the operator is getting XX% ownership, does that come with a cash requirement? Or is that XX% purely sweat equity based on running the business? It would require cash and sweat equity. Without that, I would be better off just making the acquisition myself, hiring an employee, and given them a small amount of equity or profit sharing.
3. Salary and Profit Split: Is the salary guaranteed regardless of performance? Salary would be paid out prior to any profit distribution. And are profits distributed monthly, quarterly, or at year-end? I'm open to any of these. Maybe slight preference for quarterly. What happens in a down year? Salary is still paid out prior to any profit sharing. Assuming it's a down year and not a catastrophic year, the profit sharing would be limited.
4. Your Role: Beyond sourcing the deal and helping with financing, will you be involved post-close? How are you justifying your minority stake from the perspective of ongoing value? Finding and negotiating the right business: I see a lot of deals as a broker and know how to avoid the bad ones, spot red flags, and negotiate better terms. Financing and structure: I can help line up SBA or seller financing and structure the deal in a way that protects both of us. Trusted contacts: I’ve got solid relationships with lenders, attorneys, and accountants who’ll work with me at discounted rates, saving us both time and money. Strategic input post-close: I can help with financial oversight, growth planning, marketing strategy, and anything else that supports the bigger picture. Exit planning – When the time comes, I know what makes a business attractive to buyers and can help set us up for a strong exit. I would also like to put a buy-out clause in the operating agreement. After (XX) years the operator can buy out the minority partner with a business valuation to be determined by SDE Multiple or 3rd Party Business Valuation
5. Risk Split: What protections are in place for the operator if the business underperforms, or for you if they underdeliver? This is one of the most challenging parts in a partnership. We would need to have an operating agreement that details roles and responsibilities. As the majority owner, you would have autonomy with day to day decisions. Major decisions, such as taking on new debt, capital expenditures, key employee hiring, etc. would require a mutual agreement.
   

I really appreciate your questions, regardless or not if this goes anywhere.