i'm a General Manager, Here is how i'd evaluate weather i would buy the business
#1) interview the owner (ask lots of questions) identify any/all company issues
#2) interview all employees (ask lots of questions, Dig-find the issues,ideas and problems) are there any employees that are capable or willing to manage the day to day operations (customer service,scheduling etc)
#3)Review last four years Finances
collect all the issues,Ideas and Problems and prioritize them
After collecting as much data as you can and prioritizing all the company issues:
ask yourself if you are willing or do you have the manpower to start MANAGING the company
You don't have to have experience cutting trees-you have to be able to manage people and things.
It takes four Components to operate any company, Sales,operation, Finance, and administrations, and one person can only effectively manage 6 people so is there people within the company or your existing company to manage these positions?