Why would you be a silent partner?

[Matthew Smith]

Okay so here's my scenario: you are a business owner in the area, but you are tied up in running your operations. Time is your most precious commodity. You have extra cash that isn't getting a return, but you would like to put it to work. What could I or another investor bring to the table that would encourage you to partner with me so that I could be your bird dog and find deals for your cash? I ask this not as a request from BP, I have someone in mind. I have a model that I want to follow. I believe I have something that could benefit both parties, but I want to hear from the community. Give me your best ideas. Matt

[Ned Carey]

You already answered you own question. Time is more important that money to some people. They don't have the time to research the various investments available. If you can offer them a greater return for a given risk then they are getting now they may be interested. 

However someone in that position is not looking for a "bird dog' they are looking for a passive investment that is prepackaged and ready to go.

Someone who is looking for a bird dog for deals is likely already a real estate investor. That is not someone who I would consider a "Silent Partner"