The hard truth about acquisitions

Why most people quit before closing their first deal

Apr 30, 2026
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Ben Kelly

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Happy Thursday!

I’ve noticed a trend recently where there’s more content saying that it’s super easy to succeed in acquisitions.

On one hand, I’m glad more people are being introduced to the idea that regular folks can buy profitable businesses.

That wasn’t a widely understood concept ten years ago, and broader awareness has opened doors for a lot of people.

On the other hand…

A lot of the acquisition content online often looks something like this:

  • You find a deal

  • Close it quickly

  • Collect passive income

  • Repeat until financially free

A drastic over-simplification.

Here’s what it actually looks like… 👇

Community Spotlight

Zachary closed on a $4.5M medical practice with 100% financing after joining Acquisition Ace.

“Through every step of the process Ben was very responsive when I was looking at deals that didn’t end up working out and then this deal that we both really liked… he was super helpful and provided a lot of guidance that I really needed. It really wouldn’t have turned out as well as it did without all your help.

Zachary got hands-on guidance through diligence, negotiations, and structuring, and ended up making a great deal.

👉 Want responsive support when you're evaluating and structuring deals? Book a call with our team here. Book a call with our team here.

Most first-time buyers will get deep into a deal that ultimately falls apart.

The due diligence uncovers something uncomfortable, or the bank comes back with terms that don’t work.

Whatever the reason, it happens, and it happens often.

But if you understand what the process actually involves, those “failures” just become data that help you move on to the next deal a little sharper than you were before.

(A lot of people join Acquisition Ace after having a deal fall apart and realizing they needed better guidance and a community that tells them the truth about this process. Our community can help you do just that. To see if it's a good fit for you, book a call with our team here.)

The Part Nobody Talks About

Going from zero to your first closed deal is genuinely hard.

Not because the concept is complicated, but because you’re building a skill set from scratch while simultaneously trying to execute on it.

You’re learning how to evaluate businesses and find good opportunities, figuring out how to navigate SBA financing, and developing the ability to spot red flags early instead of after you’ve spent months on a bad deal.

And none of that comes without putting in the reps

What Actually Works

Stubborn consistency over time.

That’s it!

Not a secret strategy or shortcut.

Not the perfect deal falling into your lap.

Just the willingness to keep going when the process gets frustrating, and the patience to trust that every dead end is making you better at this.

If you’re approaching acquisitions with that mindset, you’re already ahead of most people who come into this space.

Join the Acquisition Ace community, where we help thousands of members learn the whole process of buying their first business.

👉 To see if it’s a good fit for you, book a call with my team here.

Onward,

Ben Kelly

PS: Check out our latest YouTube video. We show you how to run a million dollar boring business in just 5 hours a week.