What document should investors read carefully before investing in a limited partnership?

Before investing in a limited partnership, the most important document for an investor to read carefully is the partnership agreement. This document outlines the terms and conditions of the partnership, including the roles and responsibilities of the general partners and limited partners, the distribution of profits and losses, the management structure, and exit strategies. Understanding these details is crucial because they directly impact the rights and obligations of the investor within the partnership.

While the prospectus may provide useful information, it often pertains to publicly offered securities rather than private placements like limited partnerships. Similarly, the financial report and annual statement can provide valuable insights into the financial health of the partnership but may not offer comprehensive details about the operational framework and investor rights as the partnership agreement would. Therefore, the partnership agreement serves as the foundational document that investors must understand before making any commitments.