How can I buy a passive business?

Let me get this straight. You want to make money for doing nothing?

That sounds like a great plan.

If you have money to invest, I recommend the stock market.

If you want to become a silent partner/investor, contact your local Chamber of Commerce or attend any events where startups are likely to be. Do your due diligence, as a lot of startups fail. You also need not invest in a startup, although they're far more likely to need cash ASAP and be looking for what is called angel investing.

Also, there's the Passive Business Outlet Mall

What role does Warren Buffett play in the daily operations of Dairy Queen? Or any of the other many businesses he owns?

Well if you have $585 million laying around that you dont mind risking, that changes everything.

Why didn't you lead with that fact?

Back to your original reply. No I didn't say money for doing nothing.

Spending the money to buy a business is not "nothing." And who said it has to cost $585 million?

You can buy stocks. This is the easiest way to invest in a business without millions of dollars.

The money you earn from investment is generally proportional to the risk you are taking. You always run the risk of losing all of your money.

Why would it have to be a startup?

I would be much more likely to want to be a silent partner in a business that has a track record of profits.

Buying stocks is not becoming owner of a business. Despite what some people like to tell you.

I do not get a percentage of profits that is proportional to my percentage of ownership. Unless they distribute 100% of profits as dividends, which no one does. Also, I have no say in running the company.

Let's say, for the of discussion, that I own such a business. It generates consistant profits for me and requires no work on my part.

Why would I ever sell such a thing to you or anyone else?

For a lump sum. And you are going to extremes to say NO work. What I'm saying is that I don't want to have to be on-site to keep it running.

You are aware that there are people that do this, right? They delegate most work to managers, who then hire employees, etc.

Think of a person who owns rental properties but hires a property manager. The owner still has to pay the taxes, etc. but the owner is not required to be on-site to keep it running on a daily basis.

Did you actually see this?
https://able2know.org/topic/534424-1#post-6908484

Sure. But rental properties come with a large amount of downside risk. And if they run into problems, for example you have trouble filling vacancies, you end up working extra.

Ok. I just reread. Thanks, I'll check it out.

Why would you want to do this instead of investing in stocks, etc? You reduce your liquidity (by a lot), you absorb significant risk, you are exposed to tax liabilities and perhaps legal liabilities and you spend a lot of your profit hiring managers. If you want to be a passive investor, just go with a balanced portfolio of stocks, bonds and other assets. You can now buy an EFT that does all that for you.