Laundromat Acquisition Inquiry – Southern California Focus

I am actively exploring the acquisition of a laundromat business, with the objective of building a platform that supports both traditional walk-in customers and an expanded wash-and-fold program. My preference is to identify opportunities in Southern California, though I remain open to select remote investments where operational oversight can be maintained effectively. At this stage, I am evaluating several key considerations and would value insights from experienced operators, investors, and industry professionals: Build vs. Buy – In your experience, how do you weigh the trade-offs between acquiring an existing operation versus developing a new facility? I’ve seen consistent feedback that machine quality and reliability are critical drivers of performance. How do acquisition costs and capital requirements typically compare between purchasing an established business and pursuing a ground-up build? Facility Evaluation – In the event that a new build presents the stronger long-term option, what are the most important factors to assess when selecting and underwriting a facility (e.g., square footage, layout, utility infrastructure, parking, or neighborhood demographics)? My intent is to approach this opportunity with the same rigor I apply to other acquisitions: disciplined due diligence, structured financial modeling, and a focus on operational scalability. I welcome perspectives, lessons learned, and frameworks that others have found valuable in evaluating laundromat investments.