# Buy side: find and qualify buyers

## Where buyers come from
| Source | What you get | How |
|---|---|---|
| SEC EDGAR Form D (free, official) | New "HVAC Holdings", "Plumbing Partners" platforms that just raised money, with the people's names | buyers.py |
| Your state registry (free, official) | New local holdcos: "<Trade> Holdings / Acquisition / Capital LLC" | buyers.py |
| Searchfunder.com | Searchers (ETA) and their target criteria | search "HVAC" / "home services" / your state, read profiles |
| LinkedIn | Search funds, independent sponsors, PE operating partners | search: "search fund" OR "acquisition entrepreneur" "HVAC" ; "operating partner" "home services" |
| Axial | Lower-middle-market PE and family offices with buy boxes | create a free member profile, read buy boxes |
| Competitors | Local multi-location operators already buying | your seller list: companies with "acquired", "now part of", new owner signals |
| Job posts | "Director of M&A / Corporate Development, home services" | LinkedIn or Indeed search |

## Intake questions (first call)
1. What size: revenue / EBITDA range? 2. Trades and geography? 3. Equity: committed fund, search fund investors, SBA?
4. How many deals closed in the last 24 months? 5. Owner stay-on and earn-out expectations? 6. Timeline to LOI?