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Underwrite a Deal

The Target

Verdict

  • WatchOwnership or licensing is restricted here

    Fence installation falls under general or specialty contractor licensing where a state requires it, commonly above a project-value threshold; requirements vary widely.

  • GoodDSCR after your salary is 2.29

    Above the 1.25 rule of thumb.

  • GoodAsking 3.0x, inside the cited band

    Priced where this industry trades.

The Number That Should Set Your Offer

At $500,000 of SDE, a $100,000 owner salary, $200,000 of cash, and a 10% seller note, the most this business can carry at a 1.25 DSCR is $2,561,235. The ask sits $1,061,235 under it.

Structure

Equity (your cash)
$200,000
Seller note
$150,000
7(a) loan
$1,150,000
Annual debt service
$174,813
DSCR
2.29
Implied multiple
3.00x
Cited band
2.14x–3.23x SDE

Context

Industry charge-off
not measurable
State median loan
State FY2025 loans

Licensing: Verify the contractor license class for the states and job sizes worked, and whether it transfers or must be re-earned.

The full guide for this industry

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