Looking to partner on accounting firm acquisitions

Looking for an equity partner or investor to help fund an accounting firm acquisition. Would love to connect with anyone who has done this or is interested in partnering. A bit about me: I'm a CPA and Transaction Advisory Senior Manager at a Chicago-based firm, specializing in quality of earnings and financial due diligence for lower middle market PE deals. Over the past year I've personally conducted diligence on roughly 20 accounting firms, so I have a deep read on what good looks like, where the bodies are buried, and how to underwrite client retention risk. I know how to stress-test a CPA firm's financials and identify the red flags most buyers miss. That said, I'm capital-constrained and working a demanding full-time job, so I need a partner who can help bridge the equity gap. What I'm looking for in a deal: - Virtual or remote-first firm (ideally cloud-based, QBO/Xero, paperless workflow) - Strong recurring revenue base, ideally tax and advisory mix - Retiring owner with a clean book and manageable transition period - SBA-financeable, looking to minimize equity required What I bring: - Deep financial diligence capability. I do QoE work professionally and will run a rigorous process - Accounting industry fluency. I understand the economics, client retention dynamics, and staffing risks of CPA firms from the inside - Operator mindset. I'm not a passive buyer; I intend to be involved in strategy, finance, and growth post-close What I need from a partner: - Capital support for the equity injection - Alignment on a semi-passive operating model so the business doesn't require me to leave my day job on day one - Patience. I'm in this for long-term cash flow, not a quick flip If you've invested in or acquired accounting firms before, or you're looking to deploy capital into a search with a financially sophisticated operator, I'd love to connect. Drop a comment or DM me.