I am planning on buying a 12 year old store in my neighbourhood. The seller either wants to sell it at 72000 and I get a sub lease in which I pay him $3200 for the next 5 years of the lease or pay the seller 95000 and he gives me a new lease ( landlord approved) for 5 years and rent $1600 ( including RE tax). Now if I pay him 95K in advance I do get the benefit of a low rent for the next 5 years but I will only have about 40k left to run the store. I might have to do a little renovation too. I dont know what to do, will I have sufficient cash left to run the business till it catches up. the current owner is not willing to show me his tax papers saying they are too personal. I have no way of knowing how much he makes. I like the location being close to my home and right outside the subway. I think if I make some improvements I might be able to run the store a little better. Please advice. by the way I have no experience running a c store.

There are a number of great consultants out there that can guide you through the financing process. Please feel free to email me, jlofstock@csdecisions.com, if you are still looking and I'll put you in touch with some of them.

I think edehoet's post is a bit self serving since he's a partner supplier.