Episode 243 - Mastering Short-Term Rentals, Co-Living Investing & Real Estate Growth Strategies with Cliff Johnson

Are you ready to discover how short-term rentals and co-living properties can transform your real estate investment returns?  In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with Cliff Johnson, co-founder of Vakasa and current president of PadSplit, the leader in co-living rentals. Cliff shares his inspiring journey from attorney to real estate entrepreneur, how he built a vacation rental empire starting with a profitable oceanfront home in Oregon, and the strategic insights that helped him navigate complex markets and regulations.  

Learn how Cliff leveraged data-driven approaches and innovative income guarantees to grow Vakasa and successfully transition into boutique hotels and co-living properties. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned investor, Cliff's story offers actionable lessons on identifying high-yield markets, adapting to evolving rental trends, and building wealth with multi-family and short-term rental investments. Don't miss this insider perspective from a key player in the co-living revolution. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[04:36] Cliff shares how he transitioned from attorney to real estate entrepreneur 
[08:10] Explanation of Vakasa’s income guarantee model to owners 
[15:25] Cliff’s first purchase in Rockaway Beach Oregon was a home run 
[20:40] How data and market knowledge guided property selections and strategies 
[23:17] Discussion on managing short-term rentals with high monthly revenue 
[32:47] Transition from vacation rentals to boutique hotels explained 
[36 45] Insights on why co-living works better in cities than short-term rentals 
[39:50] How regulatory environments affect rental market opportunities 
[52:20] The future of co-living and PadSplit’s role in affordable urban housing 
[57:10] Cliff’s advice for investors entering short-term rental and co-living markets 

HOST 

Craig Curelop    

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy 

📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy 

🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze    

GUEST

Cliff Johnson 

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsoncliff/ 

🎟️ Co-Living Conference – June 6–7, 2025:  https://co-livingconference.com 

 Promo Code: ILOVECRAIG for $200 discounted ticket