1. Am I the first to invest in your start-up company, how many others have come in already? I don't think it's wise to be the first in, especially if I don't know where the entrepreneur's values and abilities lie.

2. What are the core values, core purpose and vision the firm will pursue to fulfill it's mission? I like to uncover the mission statement quickly and determine if the Plan has been thought through and really fleshed out.

3. Who's on your management team, what's their experience? What I'm really asking is, can you and will you follow the Plan, is your team capable of managing my money and turning a profit, or will they be learning at my expense?

-Brad in Mission Viejo, California.