No. Identify capital actually qualifying in the enterprise and distinguish travel, personal costs and other charges. A total expenditure account is not automatically invested capital.
Use the real investment purpose
Explain the actual payments, commitment and risk. There is no universal E-2 amount that makes every expense qualify.
Due diligence, legal work on both sides of the border, escrow costs, state and municipal licensing for arboriculture and pesticide application, insurance, and the working capital the business needs after closing. Budget the acquisition or start-up cost, equipment, inventory, leasehold, payroll, professional charges, insurance, operating cushion, personal living reserves, and government fees separately. Business outlays such as premises, equipment and inventory belong in the investment analysis, and professional charges deserve individual review rather than a blanket inclusion or exclusion. Purchase price, equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, professional fees paid to complete the transaction and initial working capital can all form part of the investment where they are genuinely spent or irrevocably committed. Substantiality is measured against the total cost of purchasing the business, and the investor's committed funds must be a large enough share of that cost to show serious commitment and a realistic chance of running it successfully.