Many high-income professionals want to invest in real estate but feel stuck due to demanding jobs and long hours. In this episode of the Moonlight Real Estate Side Hustles & Syndication Show, Leslie Awasom shares how he began investing while working long hospital shifts as a CRNA—and how he used his W-2 income as leverage, not a limitation. His story shows how to build real estate on the side without rushing or quitting too early.

💼 How He Bought Real Estate While Working as a CRNA

Leslie worked 12-hour hospital shifts, often 60 hours a week. Instead of waiting for free time, he used breaks, night shifts, and weekends to learn. While others watched Netflix, he studied underwriting and deal structures. Those small efforts compounded over time.

Key actions he took:
• Studied during hospital breaks
• Learned underwriting on slow night shifts
• Attended events on weekends
• Focused on consistency over perfection

🏢 Starting with Single-Family, Then Scaling to Multifamily

Leslie started in 2017 with single-family homes using the BRRR strategy to learn the basics. As he gained experience, he shifted to multifamily for better scale and efficiency—ideal for busy professionals.

This move allowed him and his partners to focus on apartment buildings and create passive income.

🤝 Why Multifamily Makes Sense for Busy Professionals

In Part 1, Leslie explains how multifamily allows investors to pool capital, hire professional management, and stay focused on their careers.

Why this works for W-2 earners:
• Less day-to-day involvement
• Professional management
• Faster scaling
• Side-hustle friendly

📊 Using a W-2 as a Strategic Advantage

Leslie kept his CRNA income while growing his real estate business. When the market slowed in 2022, he stayed employed and later moved to per-diem work. He fully exited his W-2 in 2024, once timing and income aligned.

This approach helped him grow without financial pressure.

🎯 Rules of Thumb for Balancing Business and Life

Leslie didn’t follow a strict schedule—he worked whenever time allowed. Over time, this created two to three hours daily for real estate without sacrificing job performance.

Practical takeaways:
• Use small gaps wisely
• Don’t rush quitting
• Let your income support growth
• Reduce hours gradually

🔑 Key Takeaways for High-Income Earners Investing on the Side

This episode highlights patience, discipline, and using your job as leverage. Leslie’s journey proves real estate success comes from consistency and smart transitions—not hype.

If you’re a W-2 professional or business owner, this episode offers a realistic path to investing in real estate on the side.

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