The Diversify Show with Eric Lindsey

How a Mechanical Engineer Lost It All Then Built a $600M Portfolio — With Patrick Grimes part 2

Patrick Grimes lost everything in 2007. He went all in on a pre-development deal — highly leveraged, certain to double his money. Then 2008 happened. He lost it all. A mechanical engineer who had worked with Tesla, Google, Lockheed, and Johnson and Johnson had to start over completely. What he did next is the blueprint every W2 investor needs to hear. Patrick Grimes | Passive Investing Mastery | 5,000+ Units | $600M Portfolio Why LPs Should Pay Attention to This Operator Patrick did not stumble into syndication. He spent years moonlighting — buying single family homes in recession resilient Texas markets while working full time in California. He deployed every bonus and every extra dollar of his paycheck into those assets. He earned a master's in engineering and an MBA while doing it. He worked for free for seasoned operators — doing slide decks, underwriting, due diligence walks — without even knowing his partnership percentage on the first two deals. He was just focused on learning the right way to do things. That foundation is what built a $600 million portfolio. How He Balanced W2 and Real Estate Investing Patrick was running himself ragged moonlighting while working full time in San Francisco. He made a strategic shift — moved from W2 employee to contractor through his own S-Corp. That gave him more control over his time and allowed him to take calls with brokers, vendors, and partners during business hours instead of only nights and weekends. He credits that one decision as a turning point in his investing career. The Moment He Went Full Time Patrick did not rush the exit. He stayed in his automation career through COVID — during which his company had record years building automated assembly cells for COVID test kits. When things slowed down post COVID it made sense to make the jump. He now lives in Hawaii and manages a $600 million portfolio across real estate, energy, and litigation funding. The right exit at the right time built the right foundation. Listen to the full episode of the Moonlight Real Estate Side Hustles and Syndication Show with Eric Lindsey. 👉 Mastermind Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/187opx1PyD/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/187opx1PyD/] 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Realestatesidehustleoperations [https://www.youtube.com/@Realestatesidehustleoperations] Free e-book: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/ [https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/] Website: https://moonlightcre.com/ [https://moonlightcre.com/] Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation [https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation] Learn more: https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey [https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey] Financial security over job security — always. #RealEstateSideHustle #MoonlightRealEstate #PassiveIncome #PassiveInvesting #RealEstateSyndication #SideHustle #W2Investor #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialSecurity #WealthBuilding #RealEstatePodcast #ApartmentSyndication #RealEstateInvestor #FinancialFreedom #BuildingWealthOnTheSide

How a PhD Psychologist Builds a Real Estate Portfolio on the Side of Her W2 — With Ebony Morris Part 2

Ebony Morris is a licensed clinical psychologist with a PhD. She shows up to a demanding W2 job every single day. And she has quietly built a real estate portfolio across Michigan, Arizona, Alabama, and Illinois — while doing it. Ebony Morris | MEK Homes | Buy and Hold Investor | Fix and Flip Investor Why Passive Investors Should Pay Attention to This Operator Ebony did not stumble into real estate. Her father owned his first duplex at 21. She watched him interview tenants as a teenager. She consulted a wealth advisor before buying her first property. She created an LLC, transferred her properties properly, and consulted attorneys along the way. When you back an operator like Ebony you are backing someone who treats real estate like a business — not a hobby. Her Buy and Hold Strategy Ebony started buying in the Detroit metro area because she knew the market. She purchased a duplex for $118,000 with both tenants already in place. One tenant had been there six years. The other three years. She also owns properties in the suburbs of Michigan, Alabama, and Illinois. Her approach — buy low, charge market rents, hold long term, and leverage the portfolio to create additional lines of credit and financial strength. Her Fix and Flip Strategy in Arizona In Arizona Ebony pivots to fix and flip to generate capital quickly. With the right general contractor team she is seeing returns in four to six months. She uses her buy and hold portfolio for long term wealth and her fix and flip deals to generate cash. Two strategies. One portfolio. Working together. For W2 Professionals Building on the Side Ebony still works her W2 job in an environment where cell phones are not even allowed. She calls her realtor during her morning commute. She signs documents at midnight so her loan originator has them by morning. She scrolls listings during her daughter's gymnastics practice. She has built her entire portfolio around the margins of a demanding career — and she has not stopped. Listen to the full episode of the Moonlight Real Estate Side Hustles and Syndication Show with Eric Lindsey. 👉 Mastermind Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/187opx1PyD/⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/187opx1PyD/]👉 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Realestatesidehustleoperations⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@Realestatesidehustleoperations] Free e-book: ⁠https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/⁠ [https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/]Website: ⁠https://moonlightcre.com/⁠ [https://moonlightcre.com/]Schedule a call: ⁠https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation⁠ [https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation]Learn more: ⁠https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey⁠ [https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey] Financial security over job security — always. #RealEstateSideHustle #MoonlightRealEstate #PassiveIncome #PassiveInvesting #RealEstateSyndication #SideHustle #W2Investor #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialSecurity #WealthBuilding #RealEstatePodcast #ApartmentSyndication #RealEstateInvestor #FinancialFreedom #BuildingWealthOnTheSide

How a PhD Psychologist Builds a Real Estate Portfolio on the Side of Her W2 — With Ebony Morris Part 1

Ebony Morris is a licensed clinical psychologist with a PhD. She shows up to a demanding W2 job every single day. And she has quietly built a real estate portfolio across Michigan, Arizona, Alabama, and Illinois — while doing it. Ebony Morris | MEK Homes | Buy and Hold Investor | Fix and Flip Investor Why Passive Investors Should Pay Attention to This Operator Ebony did not stumble into real estate. Her father owned his first duplex at 21. She watched him interview tenants as a teenager. She consulted a wealth advisor before buying her first property. She created an LLC, transferred her properties properly, and consulted attorneys along the way. When you back an operator like Ebony you are backing someone who treats real estate like a business — not a hobby. Her Buy and Hold Strategy Ebony started buying in the Detroit metro area because she knew the market. She purchased a duplex for $118,000 with both tenants already in place. One tenant had been there six years. The other three years. She also owns properties in the suburbs of Michigan, Alabama, and Illinois. Her approach — buy low, charge market rents, hold long term, and leverage the portfolio to create additional lines of credit and financial strength. Her Fix and Flip Strategy in Arizona In Arizona Ebony pivots to fix and flip to generate capital quickly. With the right general contractor team she is seeing returns in four to six months. She uses her buy and hold portfolio for long term wealth and her fix and flip deals to generate cash. Two strategies. One portfolio. Working together. For W2 Professionals Building on the Side Ebony still works her W2 job in an environment where cell phones are not even allowed. She calls her realtor during her morning commute. She signs documents at midnight so her loan originator has them by morning. She scrolls listings during her daughter's gymnastics practice. She has built her entire portfolio around the margins of a demanding career — and she has not stopped. Listen to the full episode of the Moonlight Real Estate Side Hustles and Syndication Show with Eric Lindsey. 👉 Mastermind Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/187opx1PyD/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/187opx1PyD/] 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Realestatesidehustleoperations [https://www.youtube.com/@Realestatesidehustleoperations] Free e-book: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/ [https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/] Website: https://moonlightcre.com/ [https://moonlightcre.com/] Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation [https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation] Learn more: https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey [https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey] Financial security over job security — always. #RealEstateSideHustle #MoonlightRealEstate #PassiveIncome #PassiveInvesting #RealEstateSyndication #SideHustle #W2Investor #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialSecurity #WealthBuilding #RealEstatePodcast #ApartmentSyndication #RealEstateInvestor #FinancialFreedom #BuildingWealthOnTheSide

How a Tech Co-Owner Invested in Real Estate on the Side for 14 Years Then Went Full Time — With Neal Bawa

Neal Bawa was paying nearly 50% of his tech salary in taxes. So he got into real estate to save them. Then he got addicted to it. Today he manages a $600M+ portfolio with 1,300 accredited investors — using data science and AI where most operators rely on gut instinct. Neal Bawa | Multifamily U --- How He Built a Portfolio While Running a Tech Company Neal ran a tech and healthcare company for 14 years while investing on the side. He discovered depreciation in 2003 building a campus for his business, bought a dozen brand new homes for $90,000 each during the 2008 crash, then went full time into multifamily when his company sold in 2013. --- How He Uses AI to Run His Business Every employee spends 30 to 60 minutes daily on AI and presents new tools weekly in a session called Sparkle. Over 400 custom GPT tools built — rent comps, T12 analysis, neighborhood scoring, and more. AI gets you 50 to 70 percent of the way there. --- Where the Market Cycle Stands Right Now Cap rates peaked and fell slowly throughout 2025 — prices are rising. Neal's framework: 2023 to 2025 were the three years of pain. 2026 is the gap year. 2027 is when it gets exciting — supply will be scarce and rents will rise. The bottom is already in. --- Moonlight Coaching Round — Neal Bawa For New Investors: Real estate is a risk based business. If you want zero risk put your money in a money market. If you want real wealth — get in with eyes wide open. Balancing Business and Life: Work nine focused hours and compress your meetings. Do not sacrifice balance. And always watch interest rates and supply — they can break even the best deal in the best market. Starting With Little Time or No Money: Start with education. AI at $20 a month and YouTube at zero cost are the two best teachers available. Let knowledge guide how much time and money to commit. Why Passive Investing in Real Estate Is So Powerful: Bonus depreciation and opportunity zones. Neal no longer leads with cash flow. At this stage of the cycle the tax advantages are the single greatest reason to invest passively in real estate. --- Connect with Neal Bawa Free webinars: multifamilyu.com/club [http://multifamilyu.com/club] --- Full episode on the Moonlight Real Estate Side Hustles and Syndication Show with Eric Lindsey. 👉 Mastermind Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/187opx1PyD/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/187opx1PyD/] 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Realestatesidehustleoperations [https://www.youtube.com/@Realestatesidehustleoperations] Free e-book: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/ [https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/] Website: https://moonlightcre.com/ [https://moonlightcre.com/] Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation [https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation] Learn more: https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey [https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey] Financial security over job security — always. #RealEstateSideHustle #MoonlightRealEstate #PassiveIncome #PassiveInvesting #RealEstateSyndication #SideHustle #W2Investor #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialSecurity #WealthBuilding #RealEstatePodcast #ApartmentSyndication #RealEstateInvestor #FinancialFreedom #BuildingWealthOnTheSide

From Union Carpenter to Multifamily Syndicator — The Danny Flores Blueprint

He started as a union carpenter. Then made a decision most people never make — he went back to school at USC for corporate finance while working full time to pay for it. He graduated, retired from the union, became a banker, and never stopped building. Danny Flores | Prime Capital Investments | Multifamily Syndicator --- From the Jobsite to the Boardroom Danny was a general contractor at 21, moved into heavy construction as a union carpenter, then earned a corporate finance degree from USC while working full time to pay for it. Every career move was intentional. Every skill he built was preparation for the next level. --- His First Deal and 15 Years of 1031 Exchanges Danny saved $65,000 and bought a fourplex in California. A year and a half later he sold it for a $100,000 profit. He rolled that into a 1031 exchange and kept buying bigger buildings for the next 15 years using his own money. He also built a property management company in 2006 and sold it years later. By the time he discovered syndication in 2018 he already had the construction, finance, and operations skills most syndicators spend years trying to develop. --- How He Transitioned From W2 to Full Time Real Estate Danny's rule was simple — you have to work two jobs before you can quit one. Evenings. Weekends. Stolen phone calls during the day. If you are married, cut expenses and learn to live on one income. Cut car payments, eating out, everything. Run lean until the business is big enough to jump to full time. It gets hard before it gets easier. But if you plan it right the jump is possible. --- Why He Started Syndicating in 2018 A friend introduced Danny to syndication after watching him buy deals solo for years. He hired a coach, learned the model, and applied everything he already had — construction skills, banking knowledge, property management experience — to raise capital and start buying bigger deals for investors. --- Listen to the full episode of the Moonlight Real Estate Side Hustles and Syndication Show with Eric Lindsey. 👉 Mastermind Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/187opx1PyD/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/187opx1PyD/] 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Realestatesidehustleoperations [https://www.youtube.com/@Realestatesidehustleoperations] Free e-book: https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/ [https://moonlightcre.com/ebook_download/] Website: https://moonlightcre.com/ [https://moonlightcre.com/] Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation [https://calendly.com/moonlightequitiesgroup/scheduled-conversation] Learn more: https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey [https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey] Financial security over job security — always. #RealEstateSideHustle #MoonlightRealEstate #PassiveIncome #PassiveInvesting #RealEstateSyndication #SideHustle #W2Investor #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialSecurity #WealthBuilding #RealEstatePodcast #ApartmentSyndication #RealEstateInvestor #FinancialFreedom #BuildingWealthOnTheSide