The Side Hustle and Business Show with Eric Lindsey

Balancing a Career and Real Estate: Zach Zimmer's Journey

🎙️ In this episode of the Moonlight Real Estate Syndication Show, we chat with Zach Zimmer, a corporate professional turned real estate investor who built a 66-unit single-family portfolio—all while working a full-time W-2 job. Zach's story is one of grit, resilience, and turning a million-dollar loss into lasting financial freedom.

The Hustle Behind the Success 💼
Zach leveraged his steady income to fund and scale his investments, proving that you can “keep the job” while building wealth.

Key Strategies:

• Lean Principles in Real Estate 🛠️: Streamlining operations by empowering his team of agents and contractors.
• Delegation 🤝: Building trust with a skilled team to manage over 70 properties.
• Resilience 💸: Turning setbacks into stepping stones for growth.

Zach’s Advice for Aspiring Investors:

1. Use your W-2 income to secure funding and credibility.
2. Build a trustworthy team and delegate effectively.
3. Always keep sourcing deals.
4. Track expenses, cash flow, and KPIs.

Books That Inspired Him:

• The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone 📖
• The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson 📘

Free Resource from Zach!
Text TPL to 33777 to access “Top 5 Strategies to Build 7-Figure Passive Income.”

Zach’s journey is proof that with strategy and effort, financial freedom is achievable—even with a full-time job.

🎧 Listen now and take your first step toward independence! 🌟
Visit realzachzimmer.com for more insights.

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, we explore the incredible journey of Zach Zimmer, who transitioned from climbing the corporate ladder 🏢 to building a life powered by passive income 💸.

Even with challenges—like losing over $1M—Zach shares how a mindset shift 🧠, smart real estate investments 🏠, and diversification strategies helped him achieve a fulfilling and abundant lifestyle.

🔑 What You'll Learn:
🎯 How Zach climbed the corporate ladder while building a thriving rental portfolio.
📈 Using the BRRRR method to fast-track financial freedom.
🚩 Spotting red flags in syndication deals to avoid costly mistakes.
🏖️ Why protecting your time is essential for balance and success.
🤝 How contribution and coaching became Zach's new mission.

🌟 Episode Highlights:
The Corporate Hamster Wheel to Passive Income 🛞➡️💼

Inspired by '80s Miami Vice 🕶️, Zach chased traditional success until real estate investing transformed his path.
His journey began with two modest homes in Akron, Ohio 🏠🏠.
The Power of Mindset & Obsessive Focus 🤔💪

Leveraging his OCD for productivity, Zach grew his career and real estate portfolio.
From Wins to Losses: Lessons Learned 📉🔍

Facing fraud and syndication missteps, Zach lost over $1M in bad deals.
He shares how vetting sponsors 👓 and tapping into investor groups 👥 is crucial.
The Passive Life: Giving Back 🌎💡

Post-2019, Zach redefined his life by launching a podcast 🎙️ and mentoring others in real estate.
Rebuilding & Thriving in Real Estate 🏗️📚

Despite losses, Zach continues to succeed with passive income streams 💵, private lending, and hospitality ventures.
💬 Memorable Quotes:
💭 "How many people have the opportunity to lose a million dollars and still be out golfing on a Tuesday?"
💭 "Keep your money moving. Home equity is dead equity."
💭 "Contribution matters. Who are you helping, and how are you giving back?"

Key Takeaways for Investors:
✅ Passive income is possible while maintaining a full-time career.
✅ Learn from mistakes by carefully vetting investments and sponsors.
✅ Protect your time—freedom is the ultimate wealth.

📚 Resources Mentioned:
Books: Rich Dad Poor Dad 📘
Investor Groups: Left Field Investors, Passive Investor Club, 506B.
Strategies: BRRRR Method 🛠️, Hard Money Lending 💳, and Syndications 🏙️.
🤝 Connect with Zach Zimmer:
🌐 Website: The Passive Life
📩 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn for insights and updates!

🎧 Don’t Miss This Episode!
Gain valuable lessons, inspirational stories, and actionable strategies to achieve financial freedom while safeguarding your most precious asset—time.

👉 Tune in now to join Zach on the journey to building your passive life!

#RealEstate #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #Podcast 🎙

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

🎙️ Start That Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Start Posting on Social Media! 🎥💡
 
 You can start a podcast, a YouTube channel, or share information about something you're passionate about, but you must be willing to commit for 5 years minimum to see any real progress. 🕒💪
 
 🎧 Documenting My Journey as a Podcaster Series 🎧
 This is my 12th episode 🎤, and just one of 200+ episodes I’ve completed so far! 🚀✨
 
 🌟 Episode Title: Knowing Your Potential & Positioning Yourself for Real Estate Success with Successful Apartment Syndicator Elsa Nguyen
 
 📲 Click the photo below to listen to Episode 12! 🎤✨

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Bibi Ofiri, the COO of Blue Ocean Equity LLC, who managed to start her real estate investment journey while working multiple jobs, going to school, and taking care of her family. Bibi’s story is all about grit, resilience, and using the opportunities around her to break into the real estate industry despite financial challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone balancing a job, studying, or supporting a family while trying to invest in real estate! 📈🏠

Bibi’s Path to Real Estate Success 👩‍💼📚

Originally from Nigeria, Bibi came to the U.S. with plans to return home, but challenging circumstances, including family health issues, forced her to stay and adapt. She worked multiple jobs while pursuing a degree in information systems with a focus on cybersecurity. During this time, she realized that her passion was in real estate, not in IT. Bibi’s turning point came when she leveraged her relationship with her boss, a skeptical former real estate investor, and convinced him to give her a chance as a partner in real estate deals. This move opened the door to a joint venture that would eventually lead to multiple flips and a vacation rental portfolio. 🚪💸

Key Deal Breakdown: Pennsylvania Student Housing Conversion 🏫➡️🏡

One of the deals Bibi shared involved a challenging but ultimately rewarding student housing property in Pennsylvania. Here’s how it unfolded:

Due Diligence and Decision-Making 🕵️‍♀️: Bibi’s team conducted extensive local research, realizing there was high demand for family rentals. This confidence in market demand helped them commit to converting the property.

Securing Investor Support 💼: Convincing investors was tough due to the property’s secondary market location, but Bibi’s persistence and local insights finally won them over.

Handling Unexpected Financing Issues 💸: Just two weeks before closing, their primary lender backed out, leaving a $2.8 million gap. Through quick networking, they managed to raise the funds within 24 hours.

Executing the Conversion 🛠️🏡: Bibi and her team converted the property from student housing to family rentals within a year, capitalizing on demand and turning a challenge into a high-performing asset with minimal renovation costs.

Quick Tips from the Moonlight Coaching Round 🌙💡

Get Educated First 🎓: Knowing the basics is essential for making informed investments.

Leverage Partnerships 🤝: Multifamily and commercial real estate allow you to scale through partnerships, even if you don’t have a lot of cash to start.

Focus on Your Strengths 💪: Whether it’s underwriting, networking, or project management, find your unique skill and use it to attract partners.

Benefits of Passive Income 💵: Syndications provide passive income, tax benefits, and opportunities for financial freedom without active management.

Listen to the full episode and get inspired! 🎧✨

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 of the Moonlight Real Estate Syndication Show, we chat with Jarod Alexander, the founder of Optimal Equity Group, who built a successful real estate portfolio—all while working full-time in sales! 🕰️💼🏠 Jarod's journey is proof that you can create financial freedom, even with a full-time job. 💪✨

🌟 Key Highlights:
- Balancing a W-2 with Real Estate: Jarod transitioned from single-family rentals to multifamily syndications, making real estate investing work while juggling a career and family. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❤️
- Lessons Learned: He shares the ups and downs of his early investments and why multifamily syndications were a game-changer for him. 📈💰
- Passive Income Potential: Perfect for busy professionals! Multifamily syndications allow W-2 earners to build hands-off passive income, enjoy tax benefits, and create real wealth. 💸📅🔑
- Time Management Tips: Jarod’s secret? Weekly planning sessions, involving the family in his goals, and keeping everyone on the same page! 📝❤️

💡 Coaching Insights: If you want to get into real estate, Jarod says: Start Now! Network, educate yourself with The Hands-Off Investor and Rich Dad Poor Dad, and find experienced mentors. 🎓🤓

👉 Ready to learn more? Head over to optimalequitygroup.com for Jarod’s FREE eBook on multifamily investing and follow him on LinkedIn and Instagram! 🌐📲

This episode is loaded with actionable insights for anyone looking to balance a full-time job while getting started in real estate investing. Tune in and take your first step towards financial freedom! 🎧💥

💬 Listen Now & Let’s Chase Financial Security Together! 🌟✨

#RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #MultifamilySyndication #W2Investor #FinancialFreedom #MoonlightPodcast #SideHustleSuccess #InvestingWhileWorking

"If you have something valuable to say, your tribe will look past any speaking or speech flaws."

Make Yourself Valuable in the Marketplace: Practice every day on one or two skills to become an expert, and stay flexible—be willing to pivot. Don’t end up like Blockbuster Video and become obsolete.

🎧 Documenting My Journey as a Podcaster Series 🎧
This is my 10th episode 🎤, one of over 200 episodes I’ve completed so far.

In this episode, Eric chats with Andy Gurczak, founder and CEO of AllCity Adjusting. Andy's company helps property owners maximize their insurance claims, whether it's fire damage 🔥, water damage 💧, or hurricane issues 🌪️. With over a decade of experience, Andy's team specializes in large claims—ranging from $100K to $20M 💰—and serves clients across 35+ states 🗺️.

Unlike storm-chasing companies 🚫🌪️, AllCity Adjusting focuses on building trust and educating clients through their strong online presence 🌐. Andy emphasizes that property owners should involve a public adjuster right from the start 🕒. This ensures claims are filed correctly and that nothing is overlooked 🔍. AllCity Adjusting handles everything, from reviewing insurance policies 📜 to inspecting the property 🏚️ and coordinating with experts 👷‍♂️. They work on a contingency basis, which means you don't pay until they recover money for you 💸.

Andy also shared some important advice for real estate investors 🏢. He stressed the importance of choosing the right public adjuster and doing proper due diligence 🧐. By controlling the insurance funds, property owners can decide how to reinvest in their properties—whether it's for repairs 🛠️ or upgrades 🏗️. One key tip: don't overshare with the insurance company, as it could lead to claim denials 🚫. Andy's practical approach makes this episode invaluable for anyone considering hiring a public adjuster.

Main Takeaways

- Maximizing Insurance Claims: Andy's specialty is handling large claims involving fire 🔥, water 💧, or hurricane damage 🌪️. His goal is to help property owners get the most out of their insurance without any upfront costs 💰.

- Client-Focused Growth: AllCity Adjusting expanded by growing with their clients 📈. As their clients' property portfolios grew 🏢🏘️, they expanded their services, now covering more than 35 states 🗺️.

- Tips for Investors: Andy highlighted the importance of hiring a professional adjuster. He advised investors to do their homework 📝 when selecting a public adjuster and to be cautious about what they say during the claims process to avoid common pitfalls 🚧.

How It Works

Working with AllCity Adjusting is straightforward! When an incident occurs 📞, reach out to Andy's team immediately. They'll review your policy 📜, inspect the property 🏚️, and manage all the paperwork 🖊️ and negotiations with the insurance company 🏦. They'll keep you informed throughout, but they handle the tough parts, letting you focus on other aspects of your investments 💼.

💪 Andy’s insights into insurance claims can help you maximize your investments and take control of your financial future. Don't leave money on the table—learn from the pros and make the most of every opportunity! 🎯💸💥

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

🔑 Do the boring and difficult things repeatedly for a long time, and always aim to get better every time. This is the recipe for success. Einstein said, "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer."

🎧 The Documenting My Journey as a Podcaster Series 🎧

This was my 9th episode 🎤, one of the 200+ podcast episodes I’ve completed so far. The title of this episode is:

California Realtor Actively Learning to Syndicate Real Estate with Raymond Hebel

📲 Click the photo below to listen to Episode 9 🎤.

Background: Former accountant turned real estate investor and software entrepreneur.

From Spreadsheets to Rentals 💼➡️🏘️
Sharad Mehta began his career at Ernst & Young, one of the largest accounting firms globally. While he appreciated his job, he yearned for time and financial freedom. After reading The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, he decided to explore real estate opportunities within an hour’s drive from downtown Chicago.

In August 2010, he purchased his first rental property—a two-unit building—right after the 2008 housing crash. By September, he acquired a second property, and just a few months later, in March 2011, he took the leap to leave his job and focus on real estate full-time.

Balancing Work and Investment ⏰⚖️
During his time as an accountant, Sharad had to be creative with how he spent his time. He utilized lunch breaks, evenings, and weekends to search for properties, analyze deals, and make offers. His walkable commute allowed him to maximize every free moment.

Sharad and his wife, who is also an accountant, adopted a debt-free strategy inspired by Dave Ramsey. They lived on one income while saving the other, enabling them to buy their first properties in cash, which set a solid foundation for their investing journey.

Smart Investments 🧮📉
As an accountant, Sharad had a keen focus on numbers and profitability. His first property, purchased for $35,000, generated $1,200 a month in rent, resulting in an impressive 40% return. Realizing he was onto something, Sharad continued to build his portfolio, which now includes 61 units, most of which are paid off.

He didn’t stop at rentals; Sharad also began flipping 25-30 houses a year and managing his own property management company to streamline operations.

Launching REsimpli 🚀💻
After moving to Carlsbad, California, in 2015, Sharad recognized a gap in tools for managing real estate businesses remotely. This realization led to the creation of REsimpli, an all-in-one platform designed specifically for real estate investors.

With REsimpli, users can:

• Manage contacts and leads 📇
• Utilize a built-in dialer and texting tool ☎️📲
• Create websites 🖥️
• Send e-sign documents and upload property photos 📷
• Track finances with integrated bookkeeping—no QuickBooks needed! 💵📊

This platform streamlines operations, helping investors automate tasks and stay organized, which is crucial for scaling while maintaining a primary job.

Lessons for New Investors 🎓💡
Sharad’s journey provides valuable insights for anyone balancing a 9-to-5 with side hustles. Key takeaways include:

1. Use your time wisely: Every moment, even during lunch breaks or weekends, can be productive.
2. Start small: Get comfortable with the process before scaling up.
3. Understand your numbers: Knowledge of cash flow and returns is essential for success.
4. Stay educated: Continuous learning through reading, networking, and attending meetups is crucial.

Sharad’s Message to Aspiring Real Estate Investors 🌟
"If I could do it with a full-time job, anyone can," Sharad emphasizes. He encourages taking smart risks and being prepared for the worst-case scenario. Starting small and focusing on the numbers are key to building a sustainable business.

🎧 Tune in now to hear the full episode! Sharad’s story will inspire you to take action, whether you’re in a W-2 job or running a business while dreaming of a real estate empire.
⭐ Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and share the show

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

Introduction

Ever wondered how to invest in real estate while juggling a full-time job? In this episode, Eric talks with Saurabh Shah, co-founder of InstaLend, who shares his journey of flipping properties while working on Wall Street. By using his salary to fund real estate deals and collaborating with licensed contractors, Saurabh built a successful portfolio without quitting his job. His experiences ultimately led to the launch of InstaLend, a hard money lending business that offers no-doc loans. If you're looking to break into real estate while maintaining a busy career, this episode is packed with practical tips to get started!

Key Insights from the Episode

Flipping Homes While Working on Wall Street:

• Saurabh flipped properties with a partner while working in investment banking, using his W-2 income to invest and outsourcing tasks to contractors.

Flexible Financing Options Through InstaLend:

• InstaLend offers short-term loans for fix-and-flip projects and DSCR loans for rentals. Experienced investors can access significant financing options.

InstaLend’s No-Doc Loan Process:

• The lending process requires only property appraisals, making it quick and hassle-free for busy professionals.

Navigating Market Trends and Interest Rates:

• Current interest rates range from 11.5% to 12.5% for short-term loans. Saurabh anticipates a drop soon, creating new opportunities for investors.

Saurabh's Step-by-Step Process

• Finding Properties: Focus on distressed homes with flip potential and use pre-approvals from InstaLend for competitive offers.
• Managing Renovations: Rely on licensed contractors to handle renovations while maintaining clear communication.
• Financing Through InstaLend: Enjoy quick appraisals and fast closing times.
• Exit Strategies: Choose to flip or refinance properties based on market conditions for maximum flexibility.

Coaching Segment: Real-Life Q&A

• Managing Real Estate with a Full-Time Job: Delegate tasks to contractors to balance both roles effectively.
• Advice for Beginners: Start small, build experience, and aim for at least five deals to unlock better financing.
• No Financial Paperwork? InstaLend’s no-doc loans focus on appraisals rather than traditional financial documents.
• Funding Speed: The InstaLend process typically takes about 10 days, with same-day pre-approvals available.
• Interest Rate Outlook: High rates now, but a drop is expected soon.

Connect with InstaLend

Explore financing options at InstaLend.com, where you can request pre-approvals, proof of funds, or start your loan application.

Why This Episode Matters

Saurabh’s journey proves that you don’t need to quit your job to thrive in real estate. With smart delegation and strategic planning, it's possible to grow a portfolio without becoming overwhelmed. Whether you're flipping properties or building rentals, InstaLend simplifies funding and helps you build wealth.

If you’ve been waiting to start, now’s the time! This episode equips you with the tools and confidence to take your first step toward financial freedom.

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