The Moonlight Real Estate Side Hustles and Syndications Show

️ Successfully Buying 116 Units While Serving in the Military — with David Pere 🇺🇸🏘️

Eric Lindsey Season 1 Episode 171

Intro Summary
David Pere proves you don’t have to give up your career or business to build serious wealth in real estate. While serving full-time in the U.S. Marine Corps, he built a 116-door portfolio in just over six years—starting with a simple house hack and strategically scaling into multifamily and boutique hotels. He’s mastered the art of investing on the side, using systems, partnerships, and smart financing to free up time while compounding wealth.


🔍 Things Discussed
Starting Small, Scaling Smart 🏠➡️🏢
• How David bought his first duplex while on active duty, then replicated the process into 116 units.
• Why house hacking is one of the most powerful starter moves for high-income earners who want to learn operations with minimal risk.
• Leveraging a W-2 or consistent business income as a “financing cheat code” to qualify for better loans and terms.


Finding Deals Without Quitting Your Job 🔎
• How David used handwritten letters during 24-hour duty shifts to land off-market properties.
• Transitioning from deal-hunting to capital raising and partnerships as his portfolio grew.
• The importance of surrounding yourself with a trusted operator team early on.


Risk Management for Busy Professionals ⚖️
• Always keep cash reserves—real estate isn’t passive without preparation.
• Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) so issues are spotted and fixed quickly.
• Partnering with experts to avoid costly beginner mistakes.


🚀📈 How to Scale While Running a Business or Working Full-Time


Time block your week—dedicate 60–90 minutes daily and one longer session on weekends.


Leverage your primary income to secure financing and buy quality assets.


Hire early—property managers, VAs, and contractors who handle day-to-day operations.


Network intentionally—capital and deals flow to those who share what they’re doing.


⚖️ How David Balanced Military Life, Family & Real Estate
• Treated investing like a second business without letting it interfere with family time.
• Outsourced non-core tasks so he could focus on high-value decisions only.
• Kept weekends protected for family, with business handled during scheduled work blocks.


🔑 David’s Current Focus: Strategic Growth in 2025
• Targeting boutique hotels in high-tourism markets with untapped revenue potential.
• Conservative underwriting with multiple income streams per property.
• Mentoring other professionals through his War Room Mastermind to replicate his success.


⭐ Key Takeaways for High-Income Earners & Business Owners New to Real Estate 💰


Use your existing income as leverage—don’t rush to quit.


Start with low-risk learning through house hacking or small multifamily.


Systematize early so your business or career isn’t disrupted.


Focus on cash flow & appreciation—choose markets with both.


Think like an investor from Day 1—plan your exit or refinance strategy before you buy.

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