Finding a PE buyout investment phiosophy.

In college, I just don't understand how to build your own PE investment philosophy. I feel like it's hard since you're not actually seeing investment return and you can't see investment through an entire holding period. I know the cookie cutter answer but it's hard to call it a philosophy more of a basic criteria than a firm belief. 

What makes a good buyout investment in your specified sector/overall? Not talking about the boring M&I answers (Low Capex, EBITDA Margin, etc). When on on-cycle what was your differentiated investment phiosophy?

Let say I asked you as an LP looking to invest in your fund. If your answer is industry-specific, try to assume  you're talking to an LP that also specializes in investing in your sector. 

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