🎯 Introduction: Is the Digital Nomad Dream Dead?

Remote work is here to stay.

When people romanticize remote work, they envision themselves on a European beach, laptop open, as their businesses generate millions in passive income. Unfortunately, this is the fantasy that predatory course sellers promote: "It's so easy! Buy my course and you can do it too."

In reality, most remote work involves sitting in sweatpants and occasionally unmuting on a team call to say, "Nothing to add on my end." Not quite as glamorous.

But what if I told you many entrepreneurs are actually living that nomadic dream—and it isn't dead?

In 2025, more profitable small businesses than ever are operating entirely from laptops—spanning SaaS, e-commerce, digital services, and subscription models.

The best part? Buyers can own cash-flowing companies without being tied to physical locations, large teams, or high fixed costs.

Today we're examining the remote work industry PLUS featuring two deals you can buy right now that could replace herbal teas in your basement office with piña coladas on the beach.

Editor’s note: You may notice a fresh look in today’s newsletter, but rest assured it’s still the same Mainstreet Memo you know and love.

DEAL REVIEW

Marketplace SaaS with $400K Revenue

Project Playground is a 14-year-old community events marketplace software helping parents discover local activities. It’s SEO-driven, subscription-based, and fully remote with a small distributed team.

Deal Review: Marketplace SaaS Business with $400K ARR 🚀 - Watch Video

Access the full listing link HERE

Key metrics:

• ~$400K annual revenue

• $136K normalized SDE (FY2024)

• 50,000+ email subscribers, strong SEO moat

• 80% recurring revenue from annual contracts

• Fully remote team; scalable Django/AWS architecture

You can sign the NDA for this deal HERE 

Deal Facts

Hot Takes 🔥

Green Flags 🟢

• 80% recurring revenue, $320K ARR with high retention

• SEO moat and 14-year operating history

• 50,000+ email list with strong engagement

• Fully remote team and scalable tech stack

• Clear growth runway: U.S. expansion + influencer-driven content  

Red Flags 🔴

• Historical EBITDA losses due to fully delegated structure

• Advertiser concentration risk (community-focused clients)

• Expansion required for next growth leg (U.S. re-entry)

• Buyer will need to replace current CEO 

Possible Deal Structure: a good ol’ fashion ‘vanilla deal’ of cash + small amount of seller financing.

Overall Deal Spiciness: 🌶🌶🌶🌶*

*Deal Spiciness is a completely subjective rating without a quantitative grading system. Depending on the buyer, a spicy deal may indicate a good thing or a bad thing. Basically, do your own due diligence.  

Want to learn more about this deal? Reply to this email with a ‘Send me more details’

INDUSTRY BREAKDOWN

💻 Industry Breakdown: What Are The Best Remote Businesses?

The Market:

Crazy stat: 16% of companies globally operate with a 100% remote model (source) 🤯

The recent remote-first boom is fueled by inexpensive software tools, outsourced teams, and consumer habits that favor online-first solutions. Segments like digital agencies, e-commerce stores, SaaS products, and subscription content businesses are leading the charge.

Revenue Streams:

• SaaS or recurring subscription fees

• E-commerce (with 3PL fulfillment)

• Service retainers from digital agencies

• Memberships, digital courses, and info products

Margins & Multiples:

• SaaS: 70–90% gross margins, often trading 4–6x EBITDA

• Digital agencies: 20–30% margins, 3–5x SDE

• E-commerce: 15–25% margins, 2.5–4x SDE, depending on fulfillment setup

Why It Works: Lean teams, minimal overhead, scalable growth. Buyers get lifestyle flexibility and strong ROI.

Power Ranking Remote Businesse: we created a power-ranking of the top 25 remote businesses that you can review here.

🔍 Search Tips for Remote-Friendly Deals

Where to Look:

• BizBuySell

• MicroAcquire (tiny SaaS & startups)

• Empire Flippers (e-com & SaaS)

• Flippa

✅ Buy Signals: What to Look For in a Remote Business

• AI is a tailwind to the growth of the business

• Documented SOPs and cloud-based workflows

• Subscription or retainer-based revenue (predictability = freedom)

• Distributed team already in place (contractors or VAs)

• Minimal physical assets or inventory requirements

• Owner NOT the main operator or rainmaker

🚨 Red Flags to Watch Out For

• The business is at threat of being replaced with AI within the next few years

• Customer concentration (too reliant on one client or channel)

• Heavy founder involvement (if everything runs through them, it’s not remote-friendly)

• Outdated tech stack or clunky systems

• High churn or dependency on paid ads with no organic traction

📜 Common Deal Structures

• Asset Purchase: Buyer takes brand, IP, contracts, and client accounts.

• Stock Purchase: Less common unless you’re acquiring team and infrastructure.

• Earn-Outs: Often tied to client retention or recurring revenue stability.

• Seller Financing: Possible if the business is small and the seller is confident in its stickiness.

Buy or Bust?

Buy - while the pandemic fuelled the acceleration of remote work, it’s here to stay. Buyers who focus on cash flow, systems, and recurring revenue streams can own companies that thrive without a desk, a warehouse, or a daily commute.

The best opportunities?

• SaaS products with 3+ years of stability

• Agencies with $2–5M revenue and sticky retainers

• E-com brands with outsourced logistics and strong DTC channels

Check out these remote-industry deals:

1. Profitable E-Commerce Company with 1M+ Followers

2. Marketplace SaaS with $400K Revenue

Want to learn more about the remote industry?

Read our full industry report HERE

GOOD CONTENT

Recommended Resources 📚

Below is a list of articles, videos, and books we recommend for buyers or operators of small businesses!

1. Watch: He Turned $200K into $4M Buying a Small Business

2. Read: Business Valuation Explained: How Buyers Value Your Company (and How to Increase It)

3. Watch: Should You Start or Buy a Business? (Why Most Shouldn’t Build)