You find an investor to provide the cash while you provide the "sweat equity" and management expertise.
The most realistic paths involve leveraging the business's own value or finding alternative capital sources: can you buy a business with no money
Yes, it is technically possible to buy a business with no money down, but experts generally describe it as a "high-wire act" that is far more difficult than social media often suggests. Success usually depends on and finding a highly motivated seller. Common Strategies for $0 Down You find an investor to provide the cash
While "deal engineering" can make these transactions work, community consensus and expert reviews from sites like Website Closers and Reddit highlight significant hurdles: How to Buy a Business with No Money Down Common Strategies for $0 Down While "deal engineering"
The most common route where the owner "carries the paper," allowing you to pay for the business over time using its future profits.