The AI Co-Pilot
Real broker questions. Real specialist answers.
These are six unedited examples of what our industry-trained AI Co-Pilot returns. It knows the multiples, the red flags, the buyer pools, and the deal-structure norms for each vertical — because we built a separate system prompt for every one.
HVACSample · AI Co-Pilot
Q: Seller wants 4x SDE for an HVAC shop doing $1.4M revenue, $310K SDE. Fair?
Typical HVAC SDE multiples run 2.2×–3.2× for sub-$500K SDE shops. 4× is asking premium-pool money and only justifies if: (1) recurring maintenance contracts >35% of revenue, (2) a non-owner GM staying post-close, (3) clean books with QoE-grade gross margin >45%, and (4) at least 2 NATE-certified techs staying. Without those, counter at 2.8×–3.0× ($870K–$930K) with 15% seller note at 6%, 90-day training transition, and a working-capital peg of 60 days A/R.
Bottom line
Anchor on the recurring-revenue %. That's the lever.
LaundromatsSample · AI Co-Pilot
Q: What KPIs matter most for a laundromat I'm valuing in a B-class strip center?
Five numbers tell the story: (1) Turns-per-machine-per-day (target 4–6), (2) water cost as % of revenue (<18% is healthy), (3) lease term remaining (anything <7 years kills financing), (4) drop-off / wash-and-fold mix (each 10% lifts SDE multiple ~0.3×), and (5) machine age. If avg dryer age >12 yrs, deduct $80K–$120K from offer for capex you'll eat in year 1.
Bottom line
Lease length is the silent deal-killer. Verify before deep diligence.
Deal StructureSample · AI Co-Pilot
Q: Buyer is requesting a working capital peg. How do I structure?
Standard: trailing-12-month average working capital, calculated as (A/R + Inventory − A/P), measured monthly, peg = the average. At close, if delivered WC > peg, seller gets a $-for-$ credit; if below, buyer gets a credit. Cap the adjustment at 10% of purchase price both ways to prevent gaming. Settle within 90 days post-close on audited closing balance sheet. Always exclude cash, related-party balances, and the seller's PPP/EIDL receivables.
Bottom line
Without a WC peg you're letting the seller drain the business pre-close. Always include it.
RoofingSample · AI Co-Pilot
Q: What's the buyer pool for a $2.8M roofing business in central Florida?
Three tiers: (1) Individual searchers / SBA buyers — most active under $1.5M EV, will need seller financing 10–20% to clear bank; (2) Independent sponsors — your sweet spot at $2.8M, expect 4.5×–5.5× EBITDA on $550K+ adj. EBITDA; (3) PE roll-ups (Apex Service Partners, Rite-Way, Threshold Brands) — paying 6×–7.5× but require >$1M EBITDA, 2-yr clean QoE, and licensed PM staying 3+ years. Your buyer is likely tier 2 unless EBITDA crosses $1M.
Bottom line
Match the buyer pool to EBITDA size before you set the asking price.
Buyer VettingSample · AI Co-Pilot
Q: How do I screen a buyer's proof of funds without scaring them off?
Three-step ladder: (1) Up front — signed NDA + buyer profile form (net worth, liquid funds, source of capital, timeline). (2) After teaser — bank statement or LOC commitment letter dated within 30 days, redacted account # is fine. (3) Before LOI — full PFS on SBA Form 413 if SBA, or signed funds-flow letter from sponsor's CFO if PE. Frame it as 'standard for our process so the seller will engage' — not 'prove you're real.' That changes the energy.
Bottom line
Position vetting as protecting the buyer's deal, not interrogating them.
PlumbingSample · AI Co-Pilot
Q: Plumbing shop owner is the only licensed master plumber. Risk?
Critical. In FL/TX/CA most plumbing shops can't operate without a qualifier. Mitigations in order of preference: (1) Owner stays on as W-2 qualifier for 12–24 months (paid $80K–$120K); (2) Buyer brings their own master license; (3) Promote a journeyman to master before close (12–18 month timeline — kills speed); (4) Sponsor a new hire (6–9 months). Price impact: plan a 10–15% holdback against qualifier risk released at month 12 of successful transition.
Bottom line
Single-license-holder risk = holdback. Always quantify before LOI.
This is the same Co-Pilot you get inside the portal — with 16 industry specialists, full deal context, and credit packs that charge actual usage.
Free account = 1 trial query. Then $5 = $5 of credits, no expiration.