How to Build a Real Estate Side Hustle While Working Full-Time

Ashley worked as a senior project manager in corporate America for 15 years before a layoff pushed her into full-time investing. While still employed, she ran successful flips on the side by managing contractors remotely, setting clear weekly check-ins, and using her W-2 income to secure funding and build credit.

🏘️ A Real-Life Fix-and-Flip: From Corporate Paycheck to Profit
Her early flips in Dothan, Alabama showed how choosing a lower-cost market and hiring a trustworthy general contractor can make out-of-state investing practical. She used Kiavi (formerly LendingHome) for financing, store credit cards for materials, and focused on light cosmetic rehabs—paint, flooring, and kitchens—to stay fast and profitable.

💼 Lessons Learned from a Corporate Layoff
Instead of panicking, Ashley saw her layoff as freedom. With a few properties under her belt, she realized flipping could replace her salary. Her disciplined systems and risk management mindset helped her shift smoothly into full-time real estate without missing a beat.

🔑 Key Takeaways for W-2 Professionals and Business Owners

Start investing before you need the income.

Treat your contractors like partners—they make or break your business.

Use your W-2 to build credit and qualify for loans.

Keep your job performance high while your side hustle grows quietly.

🧭 Coaching Round: Ashley’s Advice for New Investors
For New Investors: Learn how to calculate ARV yourself—don’t depend on agents or wholesalers.
Balancing Work, Life, and Real Estate: Build a trustworthy team so you can step back and focus on strategy.
If You’re Starting with Little Money: Focus on credit—good credit opens doors when cash is tight.
Why Passive Investing Can Be a Smart Start: Earn while you learn—cash flow and tax benefits make real estate one of the most powerful long-term wealth vehicles.

📚 Book Recommendations

Eat That Frog – Brian Tracy

Mindset – Carol Dweck

The Hands-Off Investor – Brian Burke

Most people think you must quit your job to succeed in real estate, but Andrew Freed proves otherwise. From using a HELOC on his Boston condo to scaling 240+ units, he shows how W-2 professionals can balance careers while building wealth through multifamily, syndications, and creative financing.

📘 From W-2 to 240+ Units
Andrew started as a project manager on the W-2 path. During COVID, Rich Dad Poor Dad sparked a mindset shift. Realizing his net worth was tied to one condo, he tapped a $200K HELOC, house-hacked, JV’d into small multifamily, and expanded into syndications—growing from 30 to 240+ units in 3.5 years.

⏳ Investing While Keeping a W-2
Andrew focused on time management with 7 Habits, prioritizing urgent/important tasks and cutting wasted hours. He used his W-2 income to qualify for loans and house hacks, building bank credibility. His advice: don’t rush to quit—use your job as leverage.

🏘️ A 39-Unit Deal
In Worcester, a 39-unit portfolio projected $1.5M equity but hit turbulence when a bank changed terms, demanding a full year of reserves in escrow. Andrew pivoted to private lending, closed in weeks, and is stabilizing for a $7M refinance. Lesson: even “perfect” deals need flexibility, creativity, and strong partnerships.

💡 Rules Before Quitting Your Job

• Target ~2× monthly overhead—cash flow is lumpy.
• Keep active income—flips, brokerage, lending, side hustles.
• Don’t rush—Andrew delayed leaving his W-2; opportunities grew after, but the transition was tough.

🎯 Key Takeaways

• Start with house hacks, duplexes, or small multifamily.
• Use your W-2 to qualify—banks value steady income.
• Build systems early—processes save time and allow scale.
• Delegate low-value tasks to focus on high-dollar activities.
• Partnerships accelerate growth—bring time, money, or expertise.

🧭 Coaching Round

• For New Investors: Define goals—active (finding deals, raising capital) vs. passive (providing capital).
• Balancing Career & Family: Double down on strengths—analysis, networking, or ops. Passion sustains energy.
• If Starting Small: Network nonstop, join masterminds, add value via underwriting, sourcing, or raising capital.
• Why Passive Investing Works: Steady cash flow, diversification, and tax benefits like cost segregation (consult a CPA).

📚 Books

• Mindset — Carol Dweck
• The Hands-Off Investor — Brian Burke
• 10x Is Easier Than 2x — Hardy & Sullivan

📚 Final Thoughts
Andrew Freed proves you don’t need to quit your W-2 to thrive in real estate. By leveraging time, systems, and partnerships, he turned a condo HELOC into 240+ units. His journey—both wins and setbacks—offers a roadmap: don’t chase job security, chase financial security.

Website: https://ericlindseyml.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

Guest: Hayato Hori, Managing Partner at Red Brick Equity
Focus: How to start and scale real estate investing on the side—actively or passively—while keeping your W-2 or main business strong.

Starting Out: From W-2 to Real Estate

At 21, Hayato bought his first rental in Memphis while working at Hyperloop. The $200/month cash flow wasn’t enough, so he shifted to wholesaling, scaling to 10–15 deals a month.

The Shift: From Wholesaling to Wealth Building

Watching institutional buyers scale to $1B+ by holding properties, Hayato pivoted to multifamily. Now, as co-founder of Red Brick Equity, he targets Midwest multifamily, recently closing a 26-unit in Chicago with a 24-unit pipeline.

How to Invest While Working Full-Time

• Start Small: Use W-2 income for rentals or passive syndications.
• Know Financing: Understand loan products for leverage.
• Build a Team: PMs, contractors, advisors.
• Keep Reserves: Expect surprises.
• Leverage Partnerships: Shared deals can scale faster.

Active vs. Passive

• Active: Quick cash, but constant grind.
• Passive: Wealth without management—“a beautiful way to grow together.”

Case Study: 26-Unit Chicago Deal

• Price: $2.7M (~$100k/unit)
• Rents: 2BR $1,550–1,600 (up to $1,780+); 3BR $1,750–1,800 (Section 8 up to $2,300)
• Plan: Light upgrades, long-term tenants
• Financing: Agency loans, non-recourse

Key Takeaways for High-Income Earners

• Use W-2 income for favorable loans.
• Start small—duplex/rental teaches fundamentals.
• Don’t ignore “blue states”—focus on numbers.
• Scale with multifamily—better economies of scale.

Coaching Round

• New Investors: Learn to read deals; vet sponsors.
• Balance: Decide priorities early, keep learning.
• Little Time/Money: Either learn by doing or bring value to experienced operators.
• Why Passive: Essential housing, steady cash flow, tax benefits (depreciation, cost seg).

Books:

• How to Win Friends & Influence People — Dale Carnegie
• $100M Offers — Alex Hormozi

Website: https://ericlindseyml.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

In this episode, Eric Lindsey sits down with Amber Gage, a third-generation entrepreneur, strategic marketing expert, and author with more than 20 years of experience helping companies scale and exit successfully. Amber shares her remarkable journey from running her family’s multimillion-dollar plumbing company to launching and scaling her own agency—culminating in a private equity exit.

You’ll discover:

How to systemize your business so it’s no longer dependent on you.

The key steps to position a company for acquisition.

Proven insights on branding, marketing, and leadership that empower companies to thrive.

The role of AI, localized marketing, and storytelling in scaling companies in 2025.

Why passion and profitability must go hand in hand for long-term success.

Whether you’re running a multimillion-dollar operation or planning your eventual exit, this conversation gives you a clear playbook on how to operate efficiently, scale strategically, and prepare for acquisition.

Amber also shares her favorite frameworks—from Profit First to Donald Miller’s StoryBrand method—and practical strategies you can implement today to make your company more profitable, scalable, and attractive to buyers.

Website: https://ericlindseyml.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

Roberto Carbetta’s journey shows you don’t need millions or to quit your job to succeed in real estate. He began as a Toronto bank teller, later ran a contracting business, and then shifted to multifamily and senior living in Florida. Today, he manages a $25M+ portfolio, focusing on senior living as demand grows with the aging population.

🚤 How to Invest While Working Full-Time
Roberto built on the side—buying single-family homes every 18 months while running his company, then moving into U.S. multifamily and senior living. His message: set clear goals, keep learning, and partner with the right teams.

🏘️ Senior Living Deal in Georgia
Roberto’s team bought a Claxton, GA facility for $2.5M using debt, seller financing, and $750K from investors. By raising rents, they nearly doubled NOI, delivering returns far above expectations.

📈 Current Focus
90% of Roberto’s time is on senior living, targeting mom-and-pop owners ready to exit. With new units costing $300K but existing assets under $100K, he sees massive opportunity as 10,000 people turn 65 daily.

🎯 Key Takeaways
• The hardest deal is the first—start now.
• Use job/business income as leverage.
• Partner with strong operators to learn.
• Focus on undeniable demand, like senior living.
• Protect your time by teaming with pros.

🧭 Investor Advice
Trust is #1—know the operator, deal, and market. Once in, capital stays tied up until refinance/sale. For passive investors, real estate offers cash flow, appreciation, and tax perks without operational stress.

📚 Books
• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell – learn to delegate and scale.

📚 Final Thoughts
Roberto’s path—from W-2 worker to $25M+ investor—shows you can grow in real estate without quitting your job. Focus on education, partnerships, and consistent action.

Website: https://ericlindseyml.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

Intro — for busy pros & business owners:
Roberto Carbetta didn’t wait for retirement to invest—he built his real estate journey alongside long work hours, proving steady action drives results. Starting as a Toronto bank teller, he learned from wealthy clients tied to real estate, bought his first deal at 21, ran a construction business for over a decade, and now helps manage a $25M portfolio in multifamily and senior living. 🚀

🎙️ Episode Snapshot — What’s in this conversation

• Early spark: Wealthy bank clients all tied to real estate.
• First step: Bought a condo at 21—before telling his parents.
• Work + investing: 20 years in construction while acquiring rentals.
• Pivot to the U.S.: Moved to Fort Lauderdale, embraced syndications.
• Today’s focus: ~90% on senior living acquisitions & underwriting.

🛠️ How to Invest in Real Estate While Working Full-Time
Roberto worked 12-hour days on job sites, then researched evenings and weekends. His cadence: one purchase every ~18 months, hitting six by 30. For busy pros, he suggests passive investing—know the operator, market, deal, and numbers, then get back to your main business. 💼

🧩 Why Senior Living Caught His Attention
A senior living deal projected ~3.2× returns over five years. With “silver tsunami” demand, limited supply, and assets under $100K/unit (vs. $300K to build), the numbers made sense. 🧓🏽🏢

💵 At-Risk Capital 101
To break into GP teams, Roberto put up earnest money and risk capital. These cover due diligence and can be lost if a deal doesn’t close—so strong documents, trust, and confidence are critical. 💸

🔑 Key Takeaways for High-Income Earners

• Learn from winners, then act.
• Stick to a cadence (e.g., 1 deal every 18 months).
• Use your career income to fuel investing or go passive.
• Partner before leading GP roles.
• Know the downside of EMD/risk capital.

📌 Final Word
From Toronto bank teller to Florida syndicator, Roberto proves consistent effort, partnerships, and calculated risks can build wealth—without quitting your career. 🙌

Website: https://ericlindseyml.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

Most people assume you need to quit your job to build wealth in real estate, but Scott Kidd proves otherwise. After 20 years as a yacht captain, he built a portfolio of multifamily properties and syndications—all while managing luxury yachts full-time. His journey shows how demanding professionals can still scale by leveraging partnerships, systems, and mindset.

Scott’s start was simple: buying a single-family home and rolling that into more deals. A chance conversation on the beach with an investor who flipped a 46-unit property was his turning point. From there, he leaned into meetups, joint ventures, and partnerships that led him to multifamily. Today, he’s active in syndications, capital raising, and investor relations—all while continuing his yacht career.

🚤 How to Invest in Real Estate While Working or Running a Business Full-Time

Scott balances his yacht career with real estate by focusing on what he can do remotely—investor calls, analysis, and relationships—while relying on partners for management. Tools like DocuSign and Starlink let him close a 13-unit deal from The Bahamas. His message: you don’t have to be on the ground daily to succeed.

🏘️ Lessons from an 8-Unit Deal in Florida

An early multifamily deal in West Palm Beach tripled returns in just eight months after unexpected challenges pushed the team to sell. That success shifted Scott’s focus toward raising capital for larger, more stable properties.

📈 Current Focus: Scaling Through Syndications

Scott and his partners are now working on a 72-unit in Columbus, Ohio, chosen for its strong fundamentals: Ohio State University, corporate HQs, and major investments from Intel, Honda, and Amazon. He believes today’s market favors newer investors since many larger players are sitting out. His advice: keep looking—if the numbers work, it’s a good time to buy.

🎯 Key Takeaways for High-Income Earners and Business Owners

• Start small: house hacks, duplexes, or small multifamily.
• Use W-2 income as leverage with banks.
• Partner with experienced operators.
• Protect your time—delegate management, focus on high-value work.

🧭 Coaching Round: Scott’s Advice for Investors

For New Investors: Define Goals Early
Choose if you want to be active (finding/running deals) or passive (providing capital and earning returns).

Balancing Career, Family, and Real Estate: Play to Strengths
Focus on what excites you—networking, analysis, or investor relations. Passion makes balancing easier.

Starting with Little Money or Time: Network Nonstop
Join groups that align with your goals. Add value by sourcing deals, underwriting, or raising capital.

Why Passive Investing Works
Steady cash flow and tax benefits like depreciation. (Always check with a CPA.)

Books for Active and Passive Investors

• Mindset by Carol Dweck
• The Hands-Off Investor by Brian Burke

📚 Final Thoughts

Scott Kidd proves you can thrive in real estate without quitting your career. By leaning on partners, focusing on strengths, and using technology, he built a portfolio that secures his family’s future. The takeaway: you don’t need to quit your job—you just need the right plan, the right partners, and the drive to act.

Website: https://ericlindseyml.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

Bill Ham joins the Moonlight Real Estate Syndication Show to share real talk on coaching programs, investing, and building your business while working a full-time job or running another business. With nearly 20 years in real estate, his perspective helps investors cut through noise and avoid costly mistakes.

He breaks down how big-name coaching outfits work, why many investors get disappointed, and what to look for if you want one-on-one mentorship that fits your goals. For busy professionals or side-hustling business owners, this episode is packed with insights to protect your time, money, and focus while building wealth.

🔑 Things Discussed

⚠️ Coaching Pitfalls

• Many programs pass you to recent students instead of experts.
• You might pay $10K–$30K to work with someone with little experience.
• Without real deal history, they can’t help with real-world problems.

✅ Bill Ham’s Coaching

• One-on-one, 6-month structured program.
• Tailored to your market, borrowing ability, and goals.
• Focus on deal flow, analysis, and networking to raise capital.
• Emphasizes application over information—accountability is the game-changer.

📚 Resources

• RealEstateRaw.com: 100+ free articles and resources.
• Contact: bill@gobroadwell.com
  
  
• Books: Getting to Yes (Fisher & Ury), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss).

🌙 Moonlight Coaching Round

1. New investors & syndications – Mistakes happen; just don’t repeat them. Education and growth come with the journey.
2. Balancing life & investing – “Every day is Tuesday.” Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, not a 9–5. Freedom is control, not time off.
3. Starting with little time/money – Begin small with affordable resources. Use hustle before dollars, then hire a coach when ready.
4. Passive investing – You’re investing in people as much as property. Vet sponsors carefully and get educated first.

🚀 Key Takeaways

• Don’t buy into hype—coaching should connect you with real operators.
• Use your W-2 or business as a financing tool—don’t quit too soon.
• Education is step one, application is step two. Free content helps, but guidance saves years.
• True balance means designing a lifestyle where business and life work together for long-term wealth.

Website: https://ericlindseyml.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