ETA Timing Question: Consulting as an Interim Step?

Hi everyone, I’d appreciate the community’s perspective on a decision I’m currently evaluating. I’m 32 years old with ~6 years of experience across Venture Capital and Real Estate. Fortunately, I have financial flexibility and a long-term intention to pursue an Entrepreneur Through Acquisition (ETA), self-funded, acquiring primarily with my own capital and a small group of private investors (intentionally keeping a tight investor circle). I’m not in a rush to acquire. Given the current macroeconomic uncertainty, I’m considering whether it makes sense to take an interim step before formally setting up a search vehicle or raising additional third-party capital. Specifically, I’m thinking about starting a boutique business advisory / consulting practice, focused on: Value creation initiatives M&A advisory (buy-side / sell-side support, strategy, execution) This would likely involve proactively reaching out to friends & family and other networks to source projects, build relationships, and develop deal flow. Beyond generating cash flow, I see two potential benefits: Building deeper relationships with business owners who could eventually become acquisition targets. Strengthening relationships with potential future investors through real execution and shared experience. My question to the group: Do you see this as a reasonable and complementary path toward ETA? Or could this be a distraction or suboptimal decision that delays focus and credibility as a future searcher? If anyone has pursued a similar path — or seriously considered it — I’d really value hearing what worked, what didn’t, and any advice you’d offer in hindsight. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.