Episode 262 - Yoni Kaszynski’s Scrappy House Hack Playbook in Seattle–Tacoma: $623,000 Triplex, $6,300 Gross, Camper Hack, 5% Down, Pierce County ADU Puzzles, and More

Ever wondered how to invest in one of the most expensive housing markets in America and still make it profitable? In this inspiring episode of Invest2FI, host Craig Curelop is with Yoni Kaszynski, a scrappy real estate investor who turned a high-cost Seattle market into a powerful cash-flow machine. 

Yoni reveals how he financed his projects with a 0% AMEX card, filled rooms through Facebook Marketplace, and managed construction chaos while working full-time. He shares candid insights on finding reliable contractors, scaling property management, and achieving financial independence through real estate—without overcomplicating the process.  

If you’ve ever wondered how to start investing on a budget or turn a small deal into a freedom-generating portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom, real numbers, and unfiltered lessons from a self-made investor on the rise. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:32] Yoni shares his move from Chicago to Seattle-Tacoma. 

[04:13] Explains how real estate seemed only for the wealthy 

[04:36] Explains early condo hunt and why Seattle HOA rules killed cash flow. 

[08:01] Realtor pivots him toward Pierce County and Tacoma multi-family options. 

[08:46] Finds $623,000 triplex; inherited 2-bed unit renting for $2,291 monthly. 

[09:45] Discovers “studio” was a converted beauty salon with permit issues. 

[11:06] First lender blocks the deal— bans ADUs on multi-family. 

[11:04] Yoni calls 300 lenders and finds one that keeps the 6.88% rate intact. 

[12:55] Closes with 5% down, 3% credits, and minimal points at signing. 

[15:45] Rents two bedrooms at $925 each via Facebook Marketplace fast. 

[22:20] Camper strategy: buys $4,900 unit, lives there to free up studio. 

[22:36] Property grosses $6,300/month on $4,450 PITIMI—positive cash flow achieved. 

[28:58] Second deal: $656,500 four-bed, four-bath with ADU near first house. 

[32:37] PIT around $5,300; fully rented gross target near $8,000 per month. 

[36:45] Uses 0% AmEx for renovation materials—pays it down through rent flow. 

[38:50] Shares contractor lessons: feed crews, keep scope clear, avoid rework. 

[46:19] Final advice: stay scrappy, act fast, and systemize what works. 

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 

Yoni Kaszynski: https://www.instagram.com/yonikaszynski