The Moonlight Real Estate Side Hustles and Syndications Show

How To Manage A Construction Company While Syndicating Student Housing with Beth Januzzi Underhill

Eric Lindsey Season 1 Episode 150

Most people think you need to quit your business to scale in real estate — Beth Januzzi Underhill proves otherwise. After 25+ years running an outdoor construction company in Cincinnati, she expanded into student housing syndications during COVID — without stepping away from her main business. Her story shows that with strong partnerships, clear roles, and focus, you can build serious wealth without giving up your day job.

🏗️ How to Invest as an Active GP While Running a Business

Beth uses partnerships and systems to scale without burnout. Each of her six partners owns a lane — underwriting, capital, debt, investor relations — creating efficiency. Skills from her construction business (subcontractor management, processes, systems) translate directly to real estate.

She blocks time for investor relations and capital raising, proving you don’t need 40 hours a week — just structure and the right team.

🏘️ Real-Life Student Housing Deal Near UGA

One of Beth’s key deals is a student housing property near the University of Georgia with retail space and full leasing on both sides. Her team sourced it via brokers, closed in Dec 2023, and saw nearly 10% rent growth in year one. Location and mixed-use income make it a strong performer.

📏 Beth’s Student Housing Investing Rules

  • Focus on Class A, walkable assets near major universities (especially SEC).
  • 80–100+ beds for cost-effective management.
  • Use 12-month leases with parent guarantors for stable NOI.
  • Limit amenities to control expenses.
  • Typical cap rates: 5–5.5%.
  • Refi around year 3, hold ~5 years, or sell early if needed.
  • Plan: Sell the construction biz in 2–3 years and go full-time in real estate.

🎯 Key Takeaways for Business Owners & High Earners

  • Leverage your day job skills (ops, marketing, investor relations).
  • Relationships drive off-market deals.
  • Student housing = consistent cash flow via enrollment + guaranteed leases.
  • Protect time: Delegate low-value work and focus on strategy.

🧭 Beth’s Advice to Active & Passive Investors

New Investors: Set clear goals. Know if you want to be a GP or LP. Vet operators early.
Balancing Life & Real Estate: Be consistent. Block weekly time. Focus on what energizes you.
Starting With Little Time/Money: Network and add value — earn into deals.
Why Go Passive: Enjoy cash flow, tax benefits, and long-term growth without active management.

📚 Beth’s Book Picks

  • Relentless — Tim Grover
  • Money: Master the Game — Tony Robbins

📈 Final Thoughts

Beth proves you don’t need to quit your business to succeed in real estate. With discipline, the right partners, and focused buying, she’s grown a student housing portfolio — while running her company full-time. Her story shows busy professionals can build wealth and freedom without walking away from what’s already working.

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