Over the past year, I have read several books on buying an existing business.

And while I enjoyed many of those books, and learned a lot, this is the #1 book I would recommend for anyone just beginning to explore this topic.

"Buy Then Build" by Walker Deibel.

Some of my biggest takeaways:

• Acquisition is more affordable than you think. You don't have to be rich.

• Baby Boomers retiring in record numbers = a buyers market in small businesses

• Why established businesses are better than startups.

• The importance of Attitude, Aptitude, and Action to determine your search criteria.

• Step-by-step plan to Search, Evaluate, Negotiate, Finance, and Close a deal.

(Of course, the book goes into detail on all of this. But these are my high-level takeaways.)

So, if you are at all interested in acquiring an established profitable business, I highly suggest keeping a copy of "Buy Then Build" on your desk.