Avoiding Shiny Objects (and Still Hunting for a Deal)

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Shiny Object Syndrome? Maybe.

Lately, I’ve been wondering if I’m falling into the trap of shiny object syndrome.

At the start of my business buying journey, my focus was clear: buy a small business.

But as new opportunities come up—especially in real estate—I find myself tempted to chase multiple paths at once.

The Business Buying Path Is Slow (On Purpose)

Buying a business isn’t something you do on a whim. It’s a multi-step, relationship-driven process:

• Define my buy box

• Network with brokers and owners

• Analyze deals: Is it legit? Can I run it? Can I stabilize it for 10+ years?

It takes time, discipline, and patience. Like I said in my last newsletter—you need to be patience.

You don’t luck your way into a great business.

Then Real Estate Came Back Into View

I hadn’t looked at real estate in a while. Prices just didn’t make sense.

But recently? I’ve started seeing deals where the math actually works again.

One was a value-add duplex. On paper, it looked amazing—high cash-on-cash returns if everything went smoothly.

But rentals are seasonal.

We’re heading into the slow season, when units take longer to fill. It puts landlords into the poor position of taking lower rent and lower quality tenants just to fill a vacancy.

And that tradeoff can come at a steep cost.

I set a firm limit on what price would work, which included an extended vacancy. Luckily for me, that price happened to be the list price...

And I got beat—someone came in with an all-cash offer over asking.

Disappointed, but Disciplined

I won’t lie—I was bummed.

But I also walked away knowing I stuck to my plan. I didn’t overextend. I didn’t let fear of missing out dictate my bid.

That’s a win in its own right. Because in this game, it’s quality over quantity.

Another Deal, Another Test

Now I’m looking at a single-family rental. Not my usual preference (I lean multifamily), but this one is off-market. The numbers look good. If the property holds up in person, it could be a great long-term cash flow asset at a discount.

Still early, but worth exploring.

What I’m Reminding Myself

This isn’t about chasing every opportunity.

Whether it’s real estate or small business, the principle is the same:

Play long-term games. Prioritize quality. Don’t chase—choose.

That’s what I’m trying to live by right now.

Talk soon,
—Dakota

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