Small business acquisition is rapidly becoming an overlooked but powerful wealth-building strategy for physicians seeking meaningful cash flow and greater financial autonomy.
In a webinar hosted by George Ozoude, MD, CEO of Time Health Capital, and Adebayo Fasanya, MD, CEO of Dr. Breathe Easy Capital, guest expert Chiagozie Fawole, MD, founder of Savvy Docs, delivered a comprehensive educational session on how professionals can leverage small business ownership to create income streams that rival — and often surpass — real estate investments.
As a pediatric anesthesiologist and experienced investor, Dr. Fawole shared clear, numbers-driven insights into why buying small businesses can be a game-changer for high-income professionals.
Why Consider Small Business Acquisition?
Dr. Fawole’s transition from real estate investing (including short-term rentals) into small business acquisition was driven by one thing: the math.
While short-term rentals typically require 10% down and might generate $30,000–$40,000 in annual profit, she demonstrated how a small business—acquired with a similar down payment—can produce 5 to 10 times more cash flow.
For example:
A $500,000 short-term rental → ~$40,000 profit annually
A $500,000 business (acquired at a 2x multiple) → $200,000–$250,000 profit annually
For physicians aiming to reduce clinical hours, create financial flexibility, or accelerate wealth-building, these returns are compelling.
Chiagozie’s “Buy Box” for De-Risking Business Acquisitions
To minimize risk and ensure sound investments, Dr. Fawole outlined her buy box — a set of criteria she uses to screen potential businesses:
Revenue of $1M–$5M (or up to $10M)
Large enough to ensure scale and stability, small enough to avoid private equity competition.10+ Employees
Provides operational resilience and ensures continuity when the seller exits.10+ Years in Operation
Indicates longevity, community reputation, and a stable customer base.Profit Margins of 20–25%+
Ensures sufficient room for debt service and meaningful cash flow.Strong Operator or #2 in Place
Critical for busy physicians — the business must have leadership ready to run day-to-day operations post-sale.
These criteria allow Dr. Fawole to de-risk her acquisitions and ensure her investments are hands-off and sustainable.
Sourcing Opportunities
Dr. Fawole shared her approach to finding quality businesses:
BizBuySell.com (the largest online marketplace)
Direct outreach (direct mail campaigns to business owners)
Relationships with business brokers (for potential off-market opportunities)
She emphasized the importance of screening fast and disqualifying quickly, to focus only on high-potential deals that meet her buy box.
Key Risks & Mitigation
While the returns are attractive, Dr. Fawole was clear about the risks and how to mitigate them:
Operator Risk: Always ensure a capable manager is in place before closing.
Owner Dependency: Avoid businesses where the departing owner is the business — strong systems and teams are essential.
Thorough Due Diligence: Work with accountants and attorneys to rigorously review financials and operations.
Her educational approach highlights patience, process, and prudence as key to successful acquisitions.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Fawole’s teaching offers a clear, practical roadmap for physicians looking to unlock meaningful, recurring income streams beyond their clinical practices. Small business acquisition, when approached with the right framework, can serve as a powerful complement to real estate investing, providing both cash flow and community impact.
Want to connect with our community for more educational opportunities?
📺 Watch the full webinar here, hosted by George Ozoude, MD and Adebayo Fasanya, MD, featuring guest expert Chiagozie Fawole, MD. You’ll learn firsthand how small business acquisition works, how to evaluate deals, and how physicians can strategically apply these principles.