Hey all, wanted to get some opinions before I pull the trigger on this.

I’m a district manager for a restaurant group, and there’s an option for long-term employees to buy into a store. I’m being offered around 3% equity.

Rough numbers:

• Buy-in: about $60k * Payout based on recent performance: around $12k/year (~$1k/month) * Historically that’s like a 20% return, but I’m trying to be more realistic and think maybe 12–15% going forward

How I’d actually pay for it:

• ~$6k from saving aggressively for a few months * $10k from my personal savings * $4–5k from rental reserves (which I don’t love touching) * Borrow $20k from parents (no interest) * Borrow $10k from friends (~5%)

So yeah… I’d be stretching a bit.

My situation:

• Also trying to pay down my mortgage * Make ~89k salary * Have some real estate and investments already * This would be my first time actually owning part of a business

What worries me:

• Draining my cash / safety net * Borrowing from family + friends * If business slows down, returns drop * My job + this investment are tied to the same company

One thing I’m thinking about:

I might try to negotiate a bit instead of just accepting the $60k.

Main reasons:

• 20% return feels like best-case, not guaranteed * Realistically might be closer to 12–15% * There’s no easy way to sell this later * I’m already tied to the company through my job

So maybe try for:

• Lower price * Or payment plan * Or start smaller (like 1–2%)

Why I still like it:

• The returns have been strong * I already know the business pretty well * Feels like a good way to start building ownership long-term

Question:

Would you guys do this? Or is this too risky given how I’d have to fund it?

And if you were me, would you try to negotiate it, or just walk away if they don’t budge?