How to Vet a Search Fund Operator Before You Write a Check
    Private Equity

    How to Vet a Search Fund Operator Before You Write a Check

    The 2024 Stanford GSB Search Fund Study (Case E-870) tracked 681 core U.S. and Canadian search funds since 1984 and found an aggregate IRR of 35.1% and a 4.5x return on investment. Those headline numb

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··13 min read
    7 Red Flags to Check Before You Invest in a Private Credit Fund
    Alternative Investments

    7 Red Flags to Check Before You Invest in a Private Credit Fund

    Rising leverage, climbing non-accrual rates, and SEC scrutiny are real warning signs. Here are 7 checks before investing in private credit.

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··7 min read
    8-Step Checklist to Vet a Pre-IPO SPV Sponsor Before Committing Capital
    Regulatory & Compliance

    8-Step Checklist to Vet a Pre-IPO SPV Sponsor Before Committing Capital

    TL;DR: In August 2026, the SEC sued Andrew Spaventa for running a $74 million pre-IPO boiler room that charged investors unit prices up to 91% above his actual acquisition cost, and separately sued Er

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··10 min read
    The 45-Day 1031 Exchange Clock: A Section-by-Section Survival Checklist
    Real Estate

    The 45-Day 1031 Exchange Clock: A Section-by-Section Survival Checklist

    TL;DR: The 45-day identification deadline in a Section 1031 exchange is absolute. There is no extension for a slow closing, a lost contract, or a holiday weekend, per Treasury Regulation §1.1031(k)-1...

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··10 min read
    How to Read a BDC's 10-Q Before You Buy: A 7-Point Checklist for Retail Investors
    Alternative Investments

    How to Read a BDC's 10-Q Before You Buy: A 7-Point Checklist for Retail Investors

    The dividend yield printed on a business development company's cover page is the least useful number in the filing. Before you buy a BDC for its 10%+ yield, open the actual 10-Q and check whether...

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··11 min read
    Real Estate Private Credit Due Diligence: 12 Questions Every Accredited Investor Must Ask Before Committing
    Real Estate

    Real Estate Private Credit Due Diligence: 12 Questions Every Accredited Investor Must Ask Before Committing

    Real Estate Private Credit Due Diligence Checklist 2026 Real Estate Private Credit Due Diligence: 12 Questions Every Accredited Investor Must Ask Before Committing Summary: The SEC issued a risk alert

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··11 min read