Ashlee Edwards is a full-time attorney who bought eight properties while continuing to work a demanding job. She began investing during the pandemic after witnessing how quickly income, stability, and control can disappear when financial security depends entirely on an employer.

What she did:
• Continued working full-time as an attorney while buying properties ⚖️
• Used pandemic downtime to listen to podcasts and read books 📚
• Invested in real estate education and completed every module 🎓
• Built entities, bank accounts, and systems while learning 🧱
• Saved aggressively instead of increasing lifestyle 💰

How you can apply it:
• Use unexpected downtime intentionally
• Learn and execute at the same time
• Build systems before buying properties
• Avoid lifestyle creep to accelerate progress

Protecting the Income That Enabled Her Growth 🛡️

Ashlee focused on financial security, not job security, and treated her income as a strategic asset rather than something to escape quickly.

What she did:
• Maintained her attorney role while buying properties
• Used steady income to save for down payments
• Avoided unnecessary changes that could weaken lending strength

How you can apply it:
• Protect the income that funds early deals
• Use your job or business as leverage
• Delay risky transitions until systems are built

Using Savings Discipline as a Competitive Advantage 🏦

Ashlee developed disciplined saving habits long before learning how to invest, which later allowed her to act decisively.

What she did:
• Practiced structured saving techniques learned early in life
• Increased savings as income increased
• Used saved capital to buy early properties

How you can apply it:
• Treat saving as a skill
• Increase savings before increasing spending
• Use discipline to shorten your timeline

Operating Real Estate With a Demanding Schedule 📆

Ashlee manages real estate alongside her job by eliminating chaos and decision fatigue.

What she did:
• Used one digital work calendar for all responsibilities
• Scheduled real estate tasks like appointments
• Focused on one task at a time
• Used her calendar as a live to-do list

How you can apply it:
• Run life and business from one calendar
• Time-block real estate tasks
• Eliminate multitasking to increase output

Eliminating Distractions to Increase Focus 🔕

Ashlee intentionally limits interruptions to protect deep focus while working a demanding professional role.

What she did:
• Turned off phone, email, and message notifications
• Used focus and do-not-disturb modes
• Created specific windows for communication

How you can apply it:
• Silence non-essential notifications
• Create focused work windows
• Accept delayed responses as a productivity trade-off

Early DIY for Education 🛠️

Ashlee took early action to understand systems and processes—not because she had to, but to learn.

What she did:
• Learned real estate systems through execution
• Built confidence by doing, not watching
• Used early action as education

How you can apply it:
• Treat early DIY as short-term training
• Learn systems well enough to manage others later
• Move from learning to delegation over time

Why She’s Now Focusing on Private Money Lending 💼💵

As her portfolio matured, Ashlee began focusing more on private money lending as a way to grow income with fewer time demands.

What she did:
• Leveraged her real estate experience into private

Steven built his portfolio while working 10–12 hour retail shifts, then dedicating nights and weekends to real estate. His early focus was education, mentorship, and disciplined deal analysis. He carved out consistent time instead of trying to do everything at once.

Rather than letting real estate interfere with his job, Steven protected his work performance so income remained stable. That steady paycheck became the engine behind his growth, allowing him to reinvest and scale methodically.

🏗️ How Steven Built His Portfolio While Still Employed

Steven’s primary strategy was buying distressed properties, completing mostly cosmetic renovations, increasing rents, refinancing, and repeating the process. Early on, he used creative financing — including a credit card cash advance — which he paid off after refinancing.

To maximize buying power, he lived at home until he surpassed 100 units and reinvested nearly all profits. His days were long, but structured. The takeaway: building on the side requires planning, not endless free time.

📍 What He Bought and Where He Invested

Steven focused on:
• Single-family homes
• Duplexes and triplexes
• Small apartment buildings (generally 10 units or fewer)

He invested across Central North Carolina, between Raleigh and Charlotte, targeting middle- to upper-lower-class neighborhoods. He avoided luxury markets and high-risk areas, choosing locations where cash flow and tenant demand were more predictable.

📊 Key Takeaways for High-Income Earners and Business Owners Investing on the Side

Steven evaluates deals by focusing on purchase price, value creation, and real cash flow — not headlines or interest rate noise. His long-standing goal has been roughly $300 per unit per month after expenses, with enough cushion to handle vacancies and repairs.

He emphasizes knowing every number, building reserves, and underwriting conservatively so real estate supports life — not the other way around.

⏱️ If You Are Starting With Little Time or Money

Steven believes real estate is uniquely suited for busy professionals. Even a few focused hours per week can create momentum if used intentionally. Education, mentorship, and patience mattered more than speed early on.

🤝 Why Passive Investing in Real Estate Is So Powerful

Passive investing allows professionals to participate in real estate without day-to-day operations. Steven explains that partnering with experienced operators can provide exposure to cash flow and long-term wealth while preserving time for careers and family.

🧭 Coaching Advice For Active and Passive Investors Buying Real Estate Part-Time (Steven Andrews)

• For new investors: Build the foundation first. Understand the numbers before buying anything.
• On balance: Shift from living to work toward working to live. Growth should be sustainable.
• With limited time or money: Be consistent and methodical. Planning beats rushing.
• On underwriting: Never guess. Run the numbers carefully and double-check assumptions.

📚 Books Recommended for Active and Passive Investors

• Building Wealth — Russell Whitney
• The New American Dream — Steven Andrews

Click On This Link For Our Free E-Book "An Introduction Into Apartment Syndication: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/
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Building a Portfolio While Working Full-Time

Steven built a 300-unit portfolio while working 10–12 hour retail shifts.

What he did:
• Worked retail days and handled real estate at night
• Pushed through 14–15 hour days early on
• Lived at home to reinvest everything
• Used DIY only for learning
• Followed his mentor and Building Wealth
• Bought the worst house on the block to force appreciation

How you can apply it:
• Use early mornings, nights, and weekends
• Treat your job as part of your investment strategy
• Reinvest heavily at the start
• Lean on mentorship to avoid mistakes

Protecting Income to Stay Lendable

What he did:
• Kept his job stable for five years
• Used job income to qualify for loans
• Lived frugally to reinvest more
• Avoided decisions that hurt lending

How you can apply it:
• Maintain strong income while you scale
• Build relationships with lenders
• Keep expenses low to stay bankable

Delegation as a Scaling Tool

What he did:
• Started with DIY
• Shifted to contractors as he grew
• Focused on decisions, not labor

How you can apply it:
• Learn the basics, then outsource
• Build your contractor list early
• Protect your time

Early DIY for Education

What he did:
• Learned repairs, pricing, and contractor language
• Only DIY’d long enough to get educated

How you can apply it:
• Use early DIY as temporary training
• Learn enough to evaluate bids and avoid overpaying

Designing a Low-Risk Buy Box

What he did:
• Targeted middle/upper-low-class areas
• Bought the worst cosmetic house
• Sought overlooked value-add deals

How you can apply it:
• Choose areas where dollars go further
• Focus on cosmetic value-add
• Avoid overinflated neighborhoods

How He Funded His First Deals

What he did:
• Used a credit-card cash advance for his first down payment
• Borrowed 85% from a local bank
• Made cosmetic improvements with more credit
• Refinanced to pull out capital
• Recycled the same money repeatedly using BRRR

How you can apply it:
• Use creative funding if you lack cash
• Recycle capital whenever possible
• Judge lenders by structure, not rate
• Run your numbers carefully

The Real Sacrifice Behind His Growth

What he did:
• Worked 14–15 hour days
• Juggled retail, rentals, and relationships
• Faced burnout
• Stayed disciplined for five years before leaving his job

How you can apply it:
• Expect short-term sacrifice
• Build systems to protect your health
• Pace yourself to avoid burnout
• Set realistic timelines for your season of life

Click On This Link For Our Free E-Book "An Introduction Into Apartment Syndication: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/
Website: Moonlightcre.com
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Many investors feel pressure to scale fast — but Jacob Carroll proves the opposite. Despite a demanding full-time job, raising kids, relocating, and running a household, Jacob built his portfolio slowly and intentionally… one property at a time.

His philosophy: consistency beats speed, and you can build wealth without sacrificing your career, family, or peace of mind.

💼 How Jacob Invests While Working a Full-Time Job

Jacob still works a demanding W-2, so he relies on disciplined routines. He checks his buy box daily, runs numbers consistently, and targets just 1–2 properties per year — a pace that supports family life and financial stability.

He invests in Minneapolis/Twin Cities long-term rentals and is adding a short-term rental buy box for family visits. His strategy fits his life — not the other way around.

🏘️ A Recent Transaction: Minneapolis Long-Term Rental

After moving to San Diego, Jacob bought a Minneapolis rental through local agents, underwrote it remotely, and used a portfolio loan (25% down, 7.5% interest). His wife walked the property and filmed videos, and together they built a reno plan.

Jacob did two weeks of DIY work, then relied on his carpet installer, handyman, and local partners. The property was leased within a weekend.

📊 How Jacob Underwrites Rentals

Jacob’s top metric is payback time — not cash-on-cash. Inspired by Payback Time by Phil Town, he checks whether cash flow will repay his investment in 8–10 years.

His underwriting includes:
• Purchase price
• Down payment
• Interest rate
• Taxes, insurance, HOA
• Utilities
• Renovation budget + timeline

Higher rates may mean thin cash flow early on — and he’s okay with that if the fundamentals are strong.

🧹 Tenant Placement & Property Management Systems

Jacob’s “secret sauce” is property management. He:
• Remodels units to B+/A- quality
• Uses Zillow Rental Manager
• Defines an ideal tenant profile
• Sticks to clear criteria
• Charges slightly higher rents to filter out poor leads

This results in low-maintenance tenants — especially important when managing remotely.

🧭 Moonlight Coaching Portion — Coaching Advice From Jacob Carroll

⭐ What Every New Investor Should Know
Real estate isn't passive. Get your financial house in order first: eliminate debt and build reserves.

⭐ How to Balance Business, Life, and Real Estate
Grow slowly. Start with a single-family home. Join local meetups to stay grounded when emotions run high.

⭐ If You Have Little Money or Time
House hack. Save 5–10% for your first place. Use your W-2 for momentum and partner with trusted people if needed.

⭐ Knowing Your Numbers
Keep clean bookkeeping, separate accounts, and get a mentor to review your numbers. “Measure twice, cut once.”

📚 Books Recommended for Active and Passive Investors

The ABCs of Property Management — Kim McElroy
A foundational guide to operations, customer service, and long-term management success.

Click On This Link For Our Free E-Book "An Introduction Into Apartment Syndication: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/
Website: Moonlightcre.com
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Click On The Link Below For More Information About Eric Lindsey:
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Building a Portfolio While Working Full-Time 💼⏳

What he did:

• Built his portfolio without reducing workload
• Used a laptop + hotspot in rentals
• Completed repairs between calls
• Scheduled staggered work blocks
• Focused on high-value tasks

How you can apply it:

• Fit real estate into natural pockets in your day
• Bring work tools when needed
• Use flexible moments for small tasks
• Protect the income that keeps you bankable
• Build real estate around your job

2. Protecting the Income That Keeps Financing Easy 💵🏦

What he did:

• Kept his job stable
• Used income to qualify for loans
• Avoided lending disruptions
• Treated his job as an asset

How you can apply it:

• Maintain strong income
• Avoid changes that reduce bankability
• Let your job fund down payments
• Let stability fuel growth

3. Delegation as a Breakthrough for Scaling 🧰🤝

What he did:

• Built a contractor network
• Delegated nonessential tasks
• Focused on decisions, not labor
• Accepted his own limits

How you can apply it:

• Build a Rolodex early
• Delegate once you understand tasks
• Protect your bandwidth
• Grow by not doing everything

4. Early DIY for Education, Not Savings 🔧📘

What he did:

• Learned how properties function
• Understood repair costs
• Learned why things break
• Learned contractor language
• Built confidence for outsourcing

How you can apply it:

• Do early DIY for education only
• Treat DIY as temporary training
• Learn enough to spot inflated pricing
• Use that knowledge to manage efficiently

5. Designing a Low-Risk Buy Box 🏡📍

What he did:

• Targeted 2000+ townhomes
• Bought within 5 minutes of home
• Stayed close to hardware stores
• Chose HOA exteriors
• Avoided surprises

How you can apply it:

• Pick properties that reduce workload
• Stay close to your daily path
• Use risk management
• Choose criteria that limit emergencies

6. How He Actually Funded His First Deals 💰📈

What he did:

• Used business-exit capital
• Covered 20–25% down payments
• Reinvested cash flow
• Maxed out 10 conventional loans
• Explored DSCR/portfolio loans

How you can apply it:

• Use income or savings for early down payments
• Recycle cash flow
• Use conventional loans early
• Research DSCR/portfolio loans

7. The Real Sacrifice Behind His Growth 🌙💪

What he did:

• Worked late nights
• Shifted priorities
• Balanced work, rentals, family
• Doubled renovation timelines

How you can apply it:

• Expect late nights early on
• Prepare for sacrifices
• Build systems to protect family time
• Use realistic (longer) timelines

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

Many professionals want to build wealth through real estate, but long work hours and busy lives make it feel nearly impossible. Today’s guest, Gurshan Bansal, proves that a demanding career doesn’t have to stop anyone from building a strong portfolio. As a strategic tech sales leader, he built nearly 300 units on the side using evenings, weekends, and disciplined time management — growing from a house hack to large multifamily syndications.

Gurshan began in 2013 while working at a restaurant. His first Memphis house hack sparked the journey, and after moving to Atlanta and building a career in tech sales leadership, a real estate seminar pushed him to start educating himself. His first BRRRR deal returned most of his capital and gave him the confidence to scale.

💼 How to Invest in Real Estate While Working a Demanding Career

Gurshan initially dedicated 10 hours per week to learning, networking, and analyzing deals. Today, he invests just 3–4 hours weekly by using systems, checklists, and time-blocking.

He kept his W-2 job as his financial engine, working on deals only during evenings and weekends. His journey proves that consistency — not volume — drives long-term progress.

🏘️ The BRRRR Deal That Sparked His Growth

His first BRRRR in Memphis — purchased for $55K, renovated for $15K, and refinanced at $90K — taught him underwriting, networking, and contractor management. This led to more single-family rentals and a five-unit property in Cleveland.

When interest rates rose in 2023, he pivoted to apartment syndications instead of slowing down.

🏢 Recent Deal: 244-Unit Apartment Syndication

Gurshan and his partner raised $780,000 for a 244-unit direct syndication with Matanza Capital.

Deal Snapshot:
• Acquisition: $21.6M
• Total Equity: $10.4M
• Projected Return: Turn $50K → $90K in three years
• Current Performance: 30% above projections

The team focuses on operational improvements, interior upgrades, and rent growth — with high tenant retention.

🎯 Rules of Thumb for Balancing Business & Life

• Put every real estate task on the calendar
• Take one meaningful action per week
• Avoid pressure — this is a long-term game
• Keep your W-2 income as leverage
• Build systems so issues don’t interrupt your workday

🧭 Moonlight Coaching Portion

For New Syndication Investors

Vet the operator thoroughly. Meet them multiple times, review their underwriting, and evaluate their character. You’re trusting them with your reputation.

Balancing Career, Life & Real Estate

Intentional time > busy time. One podcast, conversation, or chapter per week builds real momentum.

If You Have Little Time or Money

Lean on the community — attend meetups, join groups, study others, and add value where you can.

Why Passive Investing Works

It trades money for time. Operators do the work while investors keep career stability and build long-term wealth.

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

Some investors wait for the “perfect time.” Joe Danza built his portfolio during one of the worst—right after the 2008 crash—using credit cards, borrowed money, and sheer determination to never rely on promotions again. Today, though he could quit his job from passive income, Joe keeps his W-2 to accelerate growth, buy more assets, and stay in control. His story proves a demanding career can fuel real estate success, not compete with it.

How to Invest While Keeping Your W-2

Joe, an IT program manager for the Navy, manages a diversified portfolio by building a strong team:
• Hire people smarter than you.
• Prioritize trustworthiness over experience.
• Create systems and processes so the business runs without you.

He starts his day at 4 AM, reviews tasks from U.S. and offshore members, and empowers them to handle daily operations while he focuses on strategy. This lets him expand across markets without sacrificing job or family time.

A Real-Life Deal: Short-Term Rental Above Market

Joe bought a short-term rental $180,000 higher than his last unit in the same building—and it still worked because:
• It was off-market, sourced through relationships.
• Comparable rentals showed strong revenue.
• Cash flow from other properties funded the deal.

Even with 8–10% rates, the property nets $50,000 per year. Joe credits strong lender relationships—multiple closings in 60 days were possible because lenders knew his track record.

Rules of Thumb for Balancing Business and Life

• Not everything is urgent—some tasks can wait.
• Something will “slip”—career, business, or personal life.
• Delegate and let your team execute.
• Give yourself grace; scaling takes trade-offs.

Early on, Joe admits business took priority—he refused to lose the $50,000 he invested in 2008.

Key Takeaways for High-Income Earners

• Use your W-2—banks value stable income.
• Diversify (STRs, long-term holds, syndications).
• Keep strong cash reserves.
• Always have multiple exit strategies.
• Strong teams + smart systems = scale without burnout.

Coaching Round: Joe’s Advice

For New Investors: Define goals early—know if you’re active or passive.
Balancing Career & Real Estate: Focus on what you enjoy and outsource the rest.
Starting with Little Time or Money: Network nonstop—mentors and masterminds create opportunity.
Why Passive Investing Works: It’s not “hands-off,” but syndications offer diversification, steady returns, and tax perks.

Recommended Read

• Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki

Final Thoughts

Joe Danza proves you don’t need to quit your W-2 to build wealth. With smart people, solid systems, market diversification, and strong lender ties, he built a business that thrives—even in high-interest markets. His journey is a roadmap for high earners seeking financial freedom, not job dependency.

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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Most people dream about the day they can walk away from their 9-to-5, but Joe Danza shows there’s another way. As a full-time IT Program Manager for the Navy, Joe has already built enough passive income through real estate to leave his job—but he’s choosing to stay. Why? Because he sees his W-2 income as a growth tool, not a limitation. While most people chase the exit, Joe’s using his steady paycheck to fuel faster expansion, buy more assets, and keep full control of his deals.

Joe’s story started in 2008, one of the worst real estate markets in history. With the economy in free fall, he maxed out credit cards, borrowed from his parents, and invested anyway. What gave him confidence wasn’t luck—it was grit and perspective. He saw firsthand from his parents that real estate could create generational wealth if done right. Over 15 years later, that decision to start when everyone else froze has paid off. Today, Joe manages rentals, syndications, and short-term properties—all while maintaining his career and family life.

💼 What You Can Learn from Joe’s Journey

If you’re trying to build wealth while holding down a full-time job, Joe’s strategy is pure gold:

Use your paycheck as a launchpad. Don’t rush to quit—use your income to fund deals, build reserves, and invest in systems.

Leverage smart people. Joe built a trustworthy team that handles day-to-day operations while he focuses on growth. He hires for integrity and intelligence—not just experience.

Build systems that buy your time back. Joe starts his mornings early, communicates with his team, and delegates. He doesn’t try to do it all—he builds processes that run without him.

Stay grounded. Joe’s approach isn’t about flash or ego—it’s about balance. He knows freedom isn’t just about quitting a job; it’s about creating options for the long run.

🏠 How This Applies to You

If you’re a high-income professional trying to figure out how to invest without losing focus at work, Joe’s story proves it’s possible.
If you’re just starting out with limited capital, it’s a reminder that discipline and creativity can beat perfect timing.
And if you’re looking for passive income, it’s proof that partnering with strong operators—people like Joe—lets you grow without sacrificing your career.

The lesson is simple: you don’t have to quit to win.
Start using your job as leverage, build systems that free up your time, and grow your portfolio on the side—just like Joe Danza.

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