Help! I need advice on buying a business

[Lamancha]

I found a business with real estate that I am interested in buying but I'm really confused about when to get a lawyer or CPA involved.   I've never purchased a business before so my head is spinning trying to figure this all out.

Should I get an attorney involved at the Letter of Intent stage, or before I even decide on a final purchase offer?

Should I hire a CPA to look over the financial records before I even know what to offer?

This is scary stuff.   Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[peeps_be_peeping]

Yes. Yes.

[SeattleCPA]

Here's a blog post I wrote after seeing yet again someone struggle with the process:

Buying a Small Business: Tips and Tactics

[Lamancha]

Thanks guys.  That's really helpful.

 Any tips on finding a really experienced attoney and accountant?   Just checking the yellow pages and Yelp seems questionable.   The business is in Washington state, but I live in another state (will relocate to WA if I  purchase ).  Should I look for help in the same town (or at least state) that the business is located?   I know I seem clueless.  I've managed and ran companies like this one for years and I'm totally confident with that aspect, I'm just a fish out of water here.

[CareCPA]

Well, there's a guy right above you who is a CPA in Washington who just pointed you to an article he wrote on buying a business. I'd probably start there.