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We’re Moonlighters — building real estate on the side of our careers and businesses.

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Julie Knight is building real estate alongside her career — not in place of it. By day, she works in public sector economic development. By night and on weekends, she builds rental properties and long-term partnerships. In 2021, she made a pivotal shift: instead of selling a home when relocating, she chose to rent it.

That decision shifted her mindset from housing to wealth building.

Julie bought her first home in 2013 and later sold it — a move she regretted. In 2019, when relocating again, she kept the property as a rental.

What she did: • Hired a property manager immediately • Rented the home within weeks • Stayed focused on her nine-to-five • Committed to buying at least one property per year starting in 2021

She later purchased a rental in Montgomery, Alabama for $138,000 (20% down). It rents for about $1,400 per month.

Why Montgomery? • Deep market familiarity • Strong demand (colleges and military) • Lower prices • Landlord-friendly laws

She used her W-2 income to fund the investment.

Julie works full-time, mostly remote.

Her reality: • Evenings and weekends • ~5 hours of sleep • Early information overload • Strong discipline

She sees this as a short-term sacrifice for long-term freedom.

Key principles: • Protect job performance • Focus on the next best move • Avoid past mistakes • Think long-term

Investing from DC/Maryland into Alabama, she relied on: • A property manager who was also a broker • 20+ years of local experience • A strong contractor network

Trusted partnerships made long-distance investing possible.

Julie stresses discipline over speed.

Her advice: • Live below your means • Track spending • Separate fixed vs. discretionary costs • Measure net worth

She also recommends partnering to lower entry barriers.

“What gets measured gets improved.”

Beyond rentals, she invests through partnerships and development.

For passive investors: • Vet operators thoroughly • Understand underwriting • Prioritize character and alignment

“You’re not just choosing a deal — you’re trusting someone with your reputation.”

Dare to Lead – Brené Brown

Leadership and emotional discipline matter in real estate and partnerships.

• Use your W-2 as your acquisition engine • Turn relocations into wealth decisions • Invest where you have insight • Build aligned partnerships • Choose consistency over intensity

Julie Knight is still working full-time — building steadily, one property at a time. Financial security is built with discipline.

Free Resource:

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Connect with Eric Lindsey:

Website:
https://moonlightcre.com/


Schedule a call with Eric:
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Learn more about Eric Lindsey:
https://linktr.ee/ericlindsey