• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer

(858) 997-1755Schedule Discovery Call

ThinkSBA

ThinkSBA

ThinkSBA is a Nationwide SBA 504 and 7a Loan Brokerage serving small business and entrepreneurs purchasing owner occupied real estate, acquiring a business or franchise or buying out a partner.

Get Started
  • Loan Options
    • Business Acquisition
    • Franchise Acquisition
    • Partner Buy-Out
    • Real Estate Purchase
  • Loan Payment Calculators
    • Real Estate Loan Calculator
    • Acquisition Loan Calculator
  • Resources
    • About
    • Blog
    • Podcast
    • SBA 504 Rates
    • FAQ
  • Recently Funded
  • Get Started
abstract diagonal white grey background

Second Exit™ – Build Wealth by Owning Your Building with the SBA 504 Loan

by Ryan Smith on June 27, 2025

For business owners who’ve built successful companies, the next strategic move isn’t just more growth—it’s control.

Second Exit™ by ThinkSBA is built for entrepreneurs ready to transition from renting to owning their commercial real estate. Created and led by Ryan Smith, Founder of ThinkSBA, this program empowers small and mid-sized business owners to purchase owner-occupied real estate using SBA 504 loan programs, transforming their lease payments into equity-building mortgage payments.


Why a Second Exit™?

Most entrepreneurs focus on exiting their business. Fewer realize that owning their building is a second, often more profitable, exit strategy. With commercial property ownership:

  • You lock in long-term stability
  • You reduce rising rent risk
  • You build wealth through appreciation and equity
  • You improve cash flow with fixed financing

Second Exit™ isn’t just a financing strategy. It’s how you own your future.


The First Exit – Selling the Business

When it’s time to exit your business, owning the property introduces additional flexibility. Selling your business while retaining ownership of the building allows you to lease the property to the new owner. This approach creates an ongoing source of income while separating the business sale from the real estate asset.

For example, a manufacturing business owner might sell their operations but retain ownership of the building, leasing it back to the buyer. This strategy provides steady, reliable income without operational involvement. Retaining the property allows you to maximize the value of your assets while maintaining financial control over the next stage of your life.


The Second Exit – Selling or Leasing the Real Estate

After selling the business, you have the opportunity for a second exit by selling or leasing the property. This step can serve as an effective retirement or late-stage succession strategy. Here’s how it works:

  • Capital Generation: Selling the property after exiting the business allows you to access the equity you’ve built, providing a significant financial resource for retirement or investment.
  • Passive Income: Opting to lease the property instead of selling creates a continued income stream, offering flexibility for long-term financial planning.
  • Timing Control: Real estate ownership gives you the ability to choose when to sell or lease the property, allowing you to respond to market conditions and optimize the value of your asset.

By structuring your exit in two stages—first the business, then the property—you create options for financial security and flexibility.


Benefits of Owner-Occupied Real Estate for Business Owners

How ThinkSBA Helps

Through the SBA 504 loan, ThinkSBA delivers up to 90% financing for owner-occupied properties—office, industrial, retail, medical, and more. Ryan Smith provides white-glove support across every stage:

1. SBA Pre-Qualification

  • Assess personal and business financials
  • Confirm eligibility for SBA 504
  • Provide a pre-qual letter to strengthen your property offer

2. Financing Strategy

  • Compare SBA 504 vs. 7(a) based on your goals
  • Structure the right equity injection and debt coverage
  • Plan for working capital and future refinancing

3. Lender Sourcing

  • Match with the right SBA Preferred Lender
  • Secure multiple competitive loan terms
  • Navigate industry-specific requirements

4. Loan Packaging & Submission

  • Prepare a complete, SBA-compliant package
  • Coordinate with appraisers, underwriters, and escrow
  • Eliminate retail bank delays with direct submissions

5. Deal Structuring

  • Review contracts and purchase terms
  • Strategize seller financing or leaseback if needed
  • Ensure full SBA compliance

6. Close & Optimize

  • Track milestones and document flow
  • Coordinate appraisal and environmental reports
  • Post-close guidance on tax strategies, cost segregation, and more

Property Types Eligible

  • Office and medical buildings
  • Industrial warehouses
  • Retail or restaurant spaces
  • Automotive facilities
  • Daycare or educational centers
  • Mixed-use (majority owner-occupied)
the benefits of sba 504 and 7a loan programs

Call An SBA Loan Pro Today!

Don’t know whether you qualify for an SBA 7(a) or SBA 504 Loan to purchase real estate?
No problem, you’re one click away from scheduling a call with an SBA Loan Pro.
Schedule a call today!

Schedule Call

Results You Can Expect

  • Up to 90% financing through the SBA 504 program
  • Fixed interest rates up to 25 years
  • Dramatic reduction in rent burden
  • Wealth-building through appreciation and tax advantages

Start Your Second Exit™

This is your moment to stop renting and start owning. Let Ryan and ThinkSBA guide you through the SBA 504 process with the clarity, expertise, and lender relationships you need to succeed.

Schedule your SBA 504 Strategy Call today.
www.thinksba.com | Schedule Call

Category: Uncategorized

About Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith is Principal and Founder of ThinkSBA®, and Creator of The My SBA Loan Pro Podcast. Ryan specializes in assisting business owners and entrepreneurs with obtaining financing to purchase owner occupied real estate, acquire a business or franchise, or buy out a partner. Ryan accomplishes this by leveraging over eighteen years experience inside two of America’s top financial institutions.

Previous Post:The Executive Benefits Playbook with Don Curristan | Ep. 17 | My SBA Loan Pro Podcast

Apply for an SBA loan like a Pro.

Choose ThinkSBA for your next small business loan and rise above the competition.

Get Started

Contact ThinkSBA

  • (858) 997-1755

  • [email protected]

  • San Diego, CA
    No Drop-ins. By appointment only.

  • DRE #02082585

Learn

Business Acquisition

Franchise Acquisition

Partner Buy-Out

Real Estate Purchase

Resources

Blog

Contact

Podcast

About

FAQ

SBA Insider Newsletter

Join hundreds of smart business owners who receive the latest SBA news and interest rate updates monthly. It’s free. Unsubscribe anytime. No spam.


  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 · Silver Strand Capital LLC · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding · Return to top