From W-2 Engineer to Full-Time Investor: Adjusting After Interest-Rate Spikes with Lane Kawaoka

Lane Kawaoka started investing while working full-time as a civil engineer. When interest rates jumped and loans tightened, he paused new acquisitions, re-checked every assumption, and pivoted from quick cosmetic rehabs to ground-up multifamily development 🏗️. By building units for roughly $150 K and targeting exits around $200–250 K, he now builds in wider margins and stronger downside protection.

🔍 Things Discussed

Post-2008 rental cash flow looked steadier than stocks, sparking Lane’s first purchase.

Engineering discipline—spreadsheets, reserves, and strict assumptions—guided every decision.

A 20–30 % price reset (driven by higher rates) proved old underwriting no longer worked and pushed him to rethink strategy due to the interest-rate spike.

How to Scale Your Business While Working Full-Time 🚀📈

Early years: dawn underwriting, lunch-hour lender calls, weekend property walks.

Market shift: lenders now top out near 60 % LTV, so investors must bring more equity than before.

Positive trend: deals with DSCR ≈ 2× are appearing again—an encouraging sign that healthier spreads are back on the table.

⚖️ How Lane Balanced Life, Family, W-2 & Real Estate

Delegated day-to-day tasks to property managers and virtual assistants, preserving family time.

Batched site visits on weekends and scheduled calls during breaks.

Built a multi-year pipeline (4–7 years) to smooth cash flow through future market swings.

🔑 Lane’s Current Business Focus: Strategic Growth in This Market (2025)

Conservative underwriting—account for higher debt costs and lower leverage.

Ground-up multifamily—new builds offer more control and longer asset life than 1970s rehabs.

Selective diversification—evaluating mobile-home parks, self-storage, and hotel conversions to balance risk.

⭐ Key Takeaways & Advice for Busy Professionals 💰

Track DSCR opportunities 📊—a 2× coverage ratio today can signal an amazing cushion if you can find them, though it is not required to make an investment.

Plan for lower leverage during inflationary environments 💵—with 60 % LTV common, line up extra equity early.

Pause when numbers break or don’t work in the market ⏸️—waiting beats forcing a thin deal.

Build a 4–7-year pipeline 📆—one downturn shouldn’t sink your strategy.

Quit last, not first ⏳—secure dependable cash flow before leaving a paycheck.

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Lane Kawaoka locked in his first Seattle rental in 2009 while working full-time as a civil engineer. By 2015 he’d assembled 11 professionally managed single-family homes. Yet each year brought the potential risk of having at least one eviction or a major mishap—flooded basement, fallen tree, you name it—that could wipe out months of profit. Realizing that more houses meant more exposure, he pivoted to large multifamily syndications for scalable growth. 🏠➡️🏢

🔍 Things Discussed
Early Influence & Real-Estate Spark ⚡
• Lane put 20 % down on a Seattle house and rented it while traveling for work.
• He expanded to Atlanta and Indianapolis for stronger returns due to cheaper prices than Seattle.
• He built an 11-home portfolio that proved rentals work—until risk outweighed reward.

Engineering Skills Applied 🏗️🎓
• He used project-management discipline for budgets, timelines, and reserves.
• He leveraged a W-2 salary and credibility for easier loans and a six-figure safety net.
• He executed a 1031 exchange to roll house equity into apartment deals.

How to Scale Your Business While Working Full-Time 🚀📈
• He closed six-plus apartment syndications before resigning.
• He took less demanding jobs to gain flexibility for more time to work on his real-estate business.
• He left the W-2 around 2018-19 once cash flow was secure.

⚖️ How Lane Balanced Life, Family, W-2 & Real Estate
• Early-morning underwriting before work, mid-day calls, weekend site visits—12–15-hour days.
• He used property managers and VAs to shield his family time.
• He underwrote large cash reserves into each business plan to keep surprise expenses from wrecking household finances.

🔑 Lane’s Current Business Focus Is: Strategic Growth in This Market (2025)
• He underwrites conservatively in today’s higher-interest-rate environment.
• He leads SimplePassiveCashflow.com and Ohana Mastermind to guide busy professionals into great real-estate opportunities.
• He is focusing on evaluating mobile-home parks, self-storage facilities, and buying hotels for diversification.

⭐ Key Takeaways & Advice for Busy Professionals That Want to Buy Real Estate 💰
Leverage Your Paycheck 🏦 – Stable income wins with lenders and cushions reserves.

Start Small, Learn Fast 🛠️ – One well-run house beats any seminar.

Recycle Equity 🔄 – Use 1031 exchanges to leap from houses to apartments.

Quit Your Job Last, Not First ⏳ – Ensure reliable cash flow before handing in your notice.

Click On This Link For Our Free E-Book "An Introduction Into Apartment Syndication: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/
Website: Moonlightcre.com
Click On The Link Below To Schedule A Call With Eric:https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation
Click On The Link Below For More Information About Eric Lindsey:
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In this episode, Michael Kharlab walks us through how he balanced a full‑time IT career while launching his real estate business—structuring each deal as its own entity, raising $2 million in days, and even pivoting midstream from Denver multifamily to Florida self‑storage. 🤓🏢

Things Discussed:
Balancing W2 Income & Real Estate Hustle 🖥️🏠
• Steady Paycheck: Michael used his IT salary to qualify for bank financing and build credibility.
• After‑Hours Workflow: He carved out evenings and weekends for investor outreach and deal analysis.
• Batch Updates: Scheduled photo roundups and 15‑minute weekly calls kept investors in the loop without derailing his day job.

Project‑by‑Project Capital Raising 💼💸
• Dedicated LLCs: Each deal lives in its own entity so partners know exactly where their equity sits.
• Warm Investor List: A curated list of a few hundred contacts received concise memos—thesis, returns, equity need.
• Rapid Close: That system hit a $2 million raise in days, bypassing lengthy fund‑style approvals.

Deal Pivot & Key Transactions 🔄🏭
• Denver → Florida: When a Class A multifamily deal lost financing, Michael shifted into a self‑storage facility in Florida, broke ground in May, and underwrote 24 percent projected returns.
• Hotel Junior Debt: He financed a boutique hotel in Lake Placid, NY, helping the sponsor close, improve operations, and deliver solid profits.

Oversight & Time Management ⏱️🏗️
• Weekend Site Visits: Quick inspections over brunch kept his oversight hands‑on.
• Photo‑Based Updates: Investors received clear progress snapshots without micromanaging.
• Concise Calls: Short, structured check‑ins flagged issues before they became problems.

Key Takeaways & Advice ⭐💡
Vet Sponsors Thoroughly: Read all agreements and involve a lawyer to protect your capital.

Master One Strength: Focus on your core skill—capital raising—and say “no” to distractions.

Start as a Connector: Partner with seasoned sponsors, refer investors, and earn referral fees to build credibility.

Form Separate Entities: Maintain transparency and clean accounting with project‑specific LLCs.

Diversify with Real Estate: Leverage tax benefits and stability that smooth out traditional portfolios.

Click On This Link For Our Free E-Book "An Introduction Into Apartment Syndication: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/
Website: Moonlightcre.com
Click On The Link Below To Schedule A Call With Eric:https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation
Click On The Link Below For More Information About Eric Lindsey:
https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey

🏾 Are you working full-time but dreaming of owning real estate?

Want to grow wealth on the side while juggling a job or business?

In this episode, you’ll meet Michael Kharlab — co-founder of CFP Group — who built a real estate investing business while working 20 years in IT & telecom 💻📞.

He now helps 200+ investors grow their money passively. But it all started with one condo in Miami... and a willingness to get started.

🔑 How He Got Started (While Working Full-Time)
• 🏢 First deal: A post-2008 condo in Miami. No experience, just courage.
• ❌ Made mistakes early — but kept moving forward.
• 🤝 Partnered on a triplex and pulled equity to fund more deals.
• 📚 Took a Rich Dad course and got mentorship — that advice changed his focus forever.

👨🏾‍💻 How He Juggled IT and Real Estate
• 🕒 Worked full-time in corporate IT.
• 🏠 Bought nearly 20 rent-to-own properties — helped good earners with bad credit become homeowners.
• 💪🏾 Managed deals during nights, weekends, and lunch breaks.
• 🗣️ Started sharing what he was doing with coworkers… and they became his first investors!

💰 Transition to Capital Raising
• 💼 His mentor told him: “Pick one lane in real estate—don’t do it all.”
• 🎯 Michael chose capital raising.
• 🧑🏾‍💼 First investor came in 2014.
• 🚪 Quit his job in March 2017 after 2.5 years of steady growth.
• 🙅🏾‍♂️ No cold calls. No hype. Just trust and referrals.

📊 What His Business Looks Like Today
• 📈 CFP Group now has over 200 investors.
• 💸 They help raise $1M–$3M in equity for real estate deals.
• 🌎 Projects are done nationwide across various asset types.
• 📞 Michael stays hands-on with communication and deal review—no mass marketing, just relationships.

🏨 Recent Deal
• ✅ Michael recently exited a hotel deal.
• 🔁 He’s already working on acquiring the next one.
• 🏗️ His company is open to hotels, assisted living, development, and multifamily.

🧠 Who This Episode is For
• W2 professionals earning $100K+ 💼
• People 40+ wanting to retire early or diversify 📈
• Business owners like dentists, attorneys & consultants 🦷⚖️

💎 Big Takeaways
✅ You don’t need to quit your job to get into real estate.
✅ Use your job to qualify for financing & gain trust.
✅ Focus on one part of the deal and master it.
✅ Start with people who already know and trust you.
✅ Consistency pays off — Michael exited the 9–5 in 2.5 years.

👉🏾 Want to learn how to invest in real estate while keeping your full-time income?

Drop a 🔥 in the comments or DM me “REAL” to get started.

#MoonlightShow
#RealEstateWhileYouWork
#W2ToWealth
#PassiveIncomeJourney
#SideHustleMoves
#FinancialFreedomGame
#InvestOnTheSide

Click On This Link For Our Free E-Book "An Introduction Into Apartment Syndication: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/
Website: Moonlightcre.com
Click On The Link Below To Schedule A Call With Eric:https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation
Click On The Link Below For More Information About Eric Lindsey:
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These show notes are perfect for both full-time investors and anyone juggling a job while buying and managing properties on the side. If you’re interested in building long-term wealth, boost cash flow, and keep more of your profits from the taxman, tune in to learn how. Brandon Burns is a senior leader in the 1031 exchange space, guiding investors through thousands of deals to help them make the most of their equity without getting walloped by capital gains taxes. 🏆

1️⃣ Brandon’s Background & Why 1031 Exchanges Rule
Brandon’s got a robust background in real estate tax, finance, and title, and he’s oversaw 4,000+ exchanges. He explains how 1031s let you swap properties of “like kind” and defer taxes so you can scale faster—whether you’re flipping houses full-time, steadily growing a rental portfolio, or working a 9-to-5 and investing on weekends. 💼

2️⃣ Key Tax-Saving Strategy

Deferred Taxes: Roll your capital gains into a new property instead of handing money over to Uncle Sam.

Flexibility: You can upgrade from a single-family home to a multifamily, or even jump into commercial, so long as it’s real property.

Legacy Building: Keep exchanging until you pass properties on to heirs, who often enjoy a step-up in basis. 🏠➡️🏢

3️⃣ Real-Life Example: The Coastal Fourplex
Brandon shares the story of a California fourplex owner who cashed out big-time and shifted $1.5 million (post–tax-free chunk) into Midwestern duplexes. This investor scored stronger monthly returns, expanded the portfolio, and never had to cut a giant check to the IRS. Talk about unlocking cash flow while steering clear of a tax hit! 🏡💰

4️⃣ Managing Your Deals—Full-Time or Part-Time

Proper Setup: Hire a Qualified Intermediary (QI) before you sell—once you touch those funds, the exchange is off.

Timing Matters: You’ll have 180 days to close on your new investment(s), so line up your next move efficiently.

Stay Strategic: Brandon recommends focusing on deals that boost your overall growth, whether you’re an everyday landlord or a large-scale operator.

5️⃣ Action Steps

Evaluate if your current property is maxed out on appreciation or not pulling its weight in cash flow.

Consider a 1031 exchange to upgrade or diversify.

Build a rock-solid team (broker, QI, attorney) to keep everything on track. 🤝

Final Takeaway
Brandon Burns proves 1031 exchanges can catapult both new and seasoned investors toward their financial goals—no matter if you’re all-in on real estate or balancing it with another career. With the right approach, you can continuously build wealth, defer taxes, and grow your empire over time. Grab this opportunity to learn the ins and outs of 1031 strategies and level up your real estate game! 🌟

Click On This Link For Our Free E-Book "An Introduction Into Apartment Syndication: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/
Website: Moonlightcre.com
Click On The Link Below To Schedule A Call With Eric:https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation
Click On The Link Below For More Information About Eric Lindsey:
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In this episode, Bill Faeth explains how he balances a short-term rental education business with scaling his own real estate investments. He highlights a specific move: selling a $1.7 million property to free up $1 million in equity, then rolling it into a $2.95 million modern cabin in Whitefish, Montana.

From hosting 9–10 live events annually to converting a three-car garage into additional suites, Bill shows how you can create multiple income streams without abandoning your main gig. 🚀

Things Discussed
Early Influence & Real Estate Spark ⚡
Entry Point: Bill was already running a short-term rental education business. He used that experience to spot profitable deals.

Equity Play: By cashing out $1 million from a previous property, he unlocked the funds needed for a bigger purchase with better returns.

Short-Term Rental Education & Portfolio Building 🏠📊
Unique Amenities: The Whitefish cabin has a trout-stocked pond, a guest house, and space to build a 75×75 learning center for Bill’s events.

Financing Approach: He shops seven or more lenders—local banks, credit unions, and national players—presenting detailed financials that prove his rentals outperform average market comps.

Scaling While Running a Business 🚀💼
Focused Growth: By keeping each property under its own LLC and bank account, Bill stays organized despite a busy schedule.

Solid Leverage: After applying $1 million in equity, he carries a $1.95 million note, maintaining comfortable monthly obligations.

Appreciation & Cash Flow: Whitefish averages about 5.7% annual growth, so Bill benefits from nightly rental revenue and long-term property value gains.

Adding Extra Income Streams & Future Plans 💡🔮
Conversion Projects: Turning the garage into more guest suites boosts occupancy and revenue.

Destination Appeal: Close to a ski resort, Glacier National Park, and local attractions, this property stands out in the short-term rental market.

Ongoing Education: Bill continues hosting events, which can add another $1–$1.5 million a year in revenue from training programs and retreats. 🔥

Key Takeaways & Advice ⭐💰
Treat Each Property as Its Own Business: Separate LLCs, bank accounts, and QuickBooks keep finances clean.

Vet Lenders Thoroughly: Have your data ready—showing strong performance helps secure better rates.

Use Your Main Income Wisely: Whether it’s a job or another business, steady earnings can open doors to bigger real estate opportunities.

Think Beyond Basic Rental Income: Unique amenities and event spaces can multiply your cash flow potential.

Bill proves that even with a demanding business, you can score big real estate wins! 🔥✨

By leveraging equity, staying organized, and focusing on unique properties, you can turn your side hustle into serious wealth—without ditching your primary source of income. 🚀

Click On This Link For Our Free E-Book "An Introduction Into Apartment Syndication: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/
Website: Moonlightcre.com
Click On The Link Below To Schedule A Call With Eric:https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation
Click On The Link Below For More Information About Eric Lindsey:
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In this episode, Bill Faeth walks us through how he juggled a pro-golf career, launched 37 startups, and built a massive short-term rental portfolio—all while raising a family and figuring out real estate on the fly. 🤯✨

Early Influences & Real Estate Spark:

• Unexpected Start: At 19, Bill earned over $300k as a professional golfer, with his CPA encouraging him to invest in a small duplex.
• First Duplex: He purchased a 2-bed, 2-bath duplex for $194k, holding it for 19 years and earning a significant gain when sold.

Pro Golfer to Full-Time Entrepreneur:

• No 9-to-5: Bill never took the usual W2 job, instead launching 37 businesses.
• Golf Income to Real Estate: Rather than splurging on lifestyle expenses, Bill wisely invested his golf prize money into rental properties, growing his net worth and cash flow.

Scaling While Running Multiple Ventures 🚀

• Short-Term Rental Strategy: Bill swapped his long-term rentals for short-term rentals in 2015, noting 3–5 times more income than traditional leases.
• Invest in “Red States”: He picks conservative-leaning regions with fewer regulations, avoiding urban headaches with strict Airbnb laws.
• Seller Credits & Local Banks: Rather than negotiating price down, Bill often secures large seller credits (e.g., $150k on a $2.95M Montana property). He also taps local commercial banks for financing, avoiding national lenders with strict STR caps.

Family & Time Management 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦⏰

• SOPs & VAs: He leans on Standard Operating Procedures and Virtual Assistants to automate daily tasks—everything from guest messaging to price updates.
• Scheduling Mastery: Bill divides his weekdays into blocks (some as short as five minutes) to ensure critical tasks don’t slip. This method allows him to focus on multiple businesses without burning out.

Strategic Growth & Current Focus 🔑

• Buying Unique: From a large six-acre home in Whitefish, Montana, to run-down motels, Bill searches for “unicorn” deals with room to add value.
• Repurpose & Renovate: Whether turning motels into vacation hubs or condos into standout rentals, he creates properties people remember.
• Goal Setting: Bill’s “Five Properties in Five Years” plan—each netting ~$50k—means $250k in annual income if done right.

Key Takeaways & Advice ⭐💰

• Know Your Endgame: Whether you’re aiming for $800k or $80k in net income, clarity helps you pick the right deals.
• Automate to Survive: Systems and Virtual Assistants keep you sane if you’re juggling a job, a family, or multiple businesses.
• Save Up & Jump In: Bill recommends having at least $75k to handle a 10% down payment plus property improvements—don’t stretch yourself too thin.
• Buy Where You Can Thrive: Focus on markets where regulations won’t choke your cash flow. Local banks often have more flexibility than national lenders.

Final Thoughts

If you’re swamped at your main job but want a boost in income or a path to retirement, Bill’s methods show you can start small and scale like crazy—all without giving up your day job or business. ‍🔥

Click On This Link For Our Free E-Book "An Introduction Into Apartment Syndication: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/
Website: Moonlightcre.com
Click On The Link Below To Schedule A Call With Eric:https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation
Click On The Link Below For More Information About Eric Lindsey:
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From Struggles to Real Estate Success: Rosa Tejado’s Journey

In this inspiring episode, host Eric Lindsey chats with Rosa Tejado—an immigrant from Mexico City 🇲🇽 who arrived with just her van 🚐 and family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. Facing near bankruptcy, she sold her mom’s sentimental jewels 💍 to fund a $5,000 real estate mentorship, changing her life forever.

Early Struggles & Challenges ⚡

🔹 Ran a UPS-style business & a tile-cleaning venture 🧱—both nearly led to bankruptcy.
🔹 Took extra jobs 💼 to feed her family, working for an investor & managing apartments 🏢.

Turning Point: Real Estate & Mentorship 💸🏠

🔹 Took a leap, investing in coaching despite financial struggles.
🔹 Spent a year researching, driving 🚗 for deals, and supporting her husband’s business.
🔹 Partnered with an investor, accelerating success.

Creative Financing & Subject-To Deals 🏠💵

🔹 In 2019, acquired a home via a VA loan using a subject-to deal—$10K down, $400/month cash flow 💰.
🔹 Used an LLC & trust to navigate legal risks 🚫⚖️.

Expert Advice from Rosa 👩‍🏫🔥

💡 Get a mentor instead of relying on free content.
🤝 Partner up to balance business & life.
📚 Learn from experts to avoid overwhelm.
📊 Know your numbers & stay persistent!

Subscribe, share & leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review for the Moonlight Real Estate Side Hustle And Syndication Show!
#RealEstate #FinancialFreedom #CreativeFinancing #Mentorship 🚀

Click On This Link For Our Free E-Book "An Introduction Into Apartment Syndication: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/
Website: Moonlightcre.com
Click On The Link Below To Schedule A Call With Eric:https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation
Click On The Link Below For More Information About Eric Lindsey:
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