There is no universal fixed E-2 minimum. Assess substantial qualifying capital in relation to the real enterprise and commitments, including what the revised transaction actually costs.
Distinguish capital from a desired total
Extra cash remaining freely available does not automatically become invested capital merely to match an earlier spreadsheet.
Show investment capital and operating costs separately from government fees, legal and professional service fees, and family or travel expenses, and confirm current official fees before committing to anything. For a lower-priced business, a higher proportion of the price should be invested, and buying the whole sixty percent stake with the applicant's own committed funds is a strong position. For a share purchase the relevant cost is the price for the business as a whole, established by the seller's financial statements, the equipment schedule and the negotiated agreement, plus any working capital the buyer must add. Keep three budgets separate: the investment itself, which must be at risk in the business; working capital the buyer holds in reserve, which is not counted until committed; and the consular application fee, professional fees and translation costs, which are never part of the investment.