INVEST2FI
Craig Curelop aka The FI Guy
Real estate is undoubtedly one of the most profitable and thriving industries out there - especially if you are looking to achieve financial independence! It offers a wide variety of ways to invest actively and passively. If you are new to real estate investing and FI, and seek the proper guidance from experts, you are in the right place. Welcome to Invest2FI, hosted by Craig Curelop. In this series, we talk with real-life house hackers, real estate (and other!) investors and real people on a mission to become financially independent. Not everybody enjoys working a 9-5 job. No one wants to be stuck in analysis-paralysis feeling unsure how to finally jump into real estate. We teach you how to exit the rat race and work on living the life you want. This is the show for beginners and learners who want to achieve financial freedom through real estate. Whether you want to increase your savings, optimize your expenses, or build a prospering income source, we have helpful solutions. We talk all the tips and tricks for making your very first purchase. We discuss how you can build your skills on this initial transaction to close better deals in the future. This is also a show for techie types who are passionate about crunching numbers and the digital side of operating business and investments. If you are drawn to financial independence, we'll enlighten you with grounded, practical strategies for achieving real estate success. Each of our guests offers creative and practical strategies to begin a real estate investing career. They break down every single investing tactic you can emulate yourself. Receive essential lessons from their experiences as they open up about their real estate journey. They reflect on the moments when they got lucky or proved their intelligence and offer their fair share of “horror” stories too. Guests embrace their vulnerabilities and speak about challenges and failures, explaining how to overcome or avoid them. There is no better host for this podcast that Craig Curelop. His is a living testaments of what you should aspire to be in this industry. Achieving financial independence in his twenties, he take pride in his first-hand experiences through every facet of real estate. Craig specializes in a unique style of real estate investing called house hacking. He literally wrote the book on it: The House Hacking Strategy. This method purchases multi-unit properties and rents them out by portion. Craig is also the lead broker of The FI Team. If you are stuck in an unfulfilling corporate job, let this show bring you far more rewarding opportunities. Craig is your guide to making a major career shift and becoming part of the exciting world of real estate. Do not feel discouraged by the towering paperwork and complex principles. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and strategies, and you are good to go! Whether you are starting an active or passive venture, the key in real estate is proper training and a constant desire for growth. Invest2FI fortifies your confidence and provides you with a smooth, clear path to success. Listen to the podcast today!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 6, 2025 • 23min
Episode 252 - How Craig Curelop Turned 5 House Hacks into $1M Equity and $10K Monthly Cash Flow
What if you could live rent-free and build over a million dollars in equity within just a few years? In this powerful solo episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop breaks down his real estate investing journey from his very first duplex in Denver in 2017 to building a portfolio of five house hacks that now generate over $10,000 per month in cash flow and nearly $1.2M in equity. Craig shares raw details, including exact purchase prices, loan types, mortgage payments, and rental income. You’ll hear how he navigated market fears, COVID uncertainty, and even a costly $150,000 structural repair. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an aspiring house hacker, or an investor scaling your portfolio, this episode is packed with proven strategies, real numbers, and inspiration to help you take action in 2025 and beyond. Highlights [03:03] Craig explains his very first duplex purchase in Denver 2017. [05:20] Shares FHA loan details and how he lived behind a curtain. [07:06] Reveals $800 monthly cash flow and $400K equity growth. [08:18] Talks about second house hack in Fortin Colorado in 2018. [09:57] Explains converting four-bedroom home into six-bedroom rental. [12:27] Discusses Airbnb strategy generating $2,000 monthly downstairs. [13:54] Breaks down Arvada property during COVID with studio unit. [15:19] Opens up about $150,000 structural issue and repair costs. [17:45] Describes Cherry Creek six-bed house hack bringing $4,700 rent. [19:45] Summarizes how five house hacks built $1M equity in 8 years. 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
Jul 30, 2025 • 59min
Episode 251 - From Prison to Profits: Real Estate Journey & Financial Freedom with Alex Donnolo
What happens when you start with a 10-year prison sentence—and end up managing over $50 million in real estate assets? In this powerful episode of the Invest2FI, Craig Curelop welcomes Alex Donnolo: a real estate expert, public speaker, and former inmate with a story that defies the odds. Alex Donnolo’s life wasn’t always destined for success. Learn how he went from wrongful conviction to creating a thriving business in mobile home park investing through seller financing and operational discipline. You’ll hear how he scaled from a lawn care hustle to an empire with 21 parks across 11 states and what it really takes to raise capital, build a hybrid investment model, and lead with resilience. Whether you're facing setbacks or looking for a strategic investing edge, this episode delivers inspiration and tactical wisdom in every minute. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[02:35] - Growing up with family of business owners [03:02] Middle school hustling with t-shirts and skateboards [03:10] Ran small business screen printing with friends [03:49] Wrongfully convicted, sentenced to 10 years [06:50] Became national news, withdrew from high school [12:46] While incarcerated, Alex found spiritual guidance [26:45] Started seller-financed mobile home park investing [32:31] Alex manages 21 properties across 11 states, totaling $50 million [34:31] Blended interest rate strategy at 8% [35:59] Exit strategies and contingency planning [38:21] "Hybrid model" gives lenders partial equity [42:40] Doubled value of first MHP in 2 years [45:31] Rent increase strategy done with transparency [47:19] Solo growth after partnership split in 2020 [48:00] Why MHPs outperform storage and multifamily [49:02] Seller-financed deals are harder in storage asset class [51:01] Scaling challenges, building efficient team culture [52:55] Plans to focus more on writing and speaking [53:05] Upcoming book release in September [53:51] Best advice: “Resilience not perfection” by Jim Collins 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 Alex Donnolo 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexdonnolo/ 📘 Pre-order his book: https://www.alexdonnolo.com/ 🔍Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2rurhFHovVKJgTxC3d5DBg
Jul 23, 2025 • 52min
Episode 250 - Achieve Financial Freedom through Real Estate With Scott Trench’s Proven Tips
Scott Trench, a successful real estate investor and former CEO of BiggerPockets, shares his journey toward financial independence. He discusses the importance of long-term property ownership and how it shapes wealth. Scott opens up about his identity transition after stepping down from leadership and the emotional journey that accompanies financial freedom. He offers insights on negotiation strategies in competitive markets, the evolving meaning of success, and balancing personal life with investment aspirations. Expect valuable nuggets for entrepreneurs at any stage!
Jul 16, 2025 • 48min
Episode 249 - No Job, No Money, No Problem: Fernando Corona’s Journey to Real Estate Success with Remote Investing
What would you do if you had no money, no job, and no local connections—but wanted to build a real estate portfolio? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop sits down with Fernando Corona, a real estate investor and private money expert who leveraged out-of-state co-living properties to build wealth from scratch. Fernando reveals how he went from quitting his job with debt and no income to structuring creative deals, working with partners, and managing high-cash-flow PadSplit properties without ever visiting them in person. You'll learn what mistakes to avoid, how to work with contractors remotely, raise capital, and scale with the right systems in place. Whether you're new or seasoned in house hacking, partnership investing, or PadSplit rentals, this episode is packed with real-world advice and actionable strategies to grow your portfolio today. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:42] Quit job broke and in debt with no clear plan [06:45] Reduced mortgage by house hacking with roommates out of necessity [09:44] Started first PadSplit investment property remotely in Tennessee [12:44] Chose ideal markets after analyzing cash flow and demand [18:42] Built systems to manage contractors completely out-of-state [21:44] Overlooked renovation costs weren’t included in contractor’s original quote [24:46] Low purchase price markets improve rent-to-cost investment returns [27:47] Mobile homes provide affordable entry with potential cash flow [30:42] Creative financing gave investor-friendly benefits and cash flow [33:42] Evaluates if deal makes sense based on location returns [36:43] Tenant churn in co-living eats into profit margins [39:46] Rental income used to qualify for better financing terms [42:49] Compared co-living, Airbnb, and section eight investment strategies [45:46] Shared personal story and investing journey through recent years 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 Fernando Corona 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsfernandocorona/ 🔍Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-corona/ 📲Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Itsfernandocorona
Jul 9, 2025 • 56min
Episode 248 - From Pro Soccer to Profitable House Hacks: Eric Lafon’s Road to Financial Independence Through Co-Living & Real Estate
What do soccer and real estate investing have in common? Grit. In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with former professional soccer player turned house hacker, Eric Lafon. Eric shares his remarkable transition from a European soccer league to climbing the property ladder in Denver—while cash flowing $1,500/month in 2024’s high-rate market. This episode discusses co-living strategies, building resilience after layoffs, traveling frugally across 35+ countries, and how Eric turned a severance check into a financial pivot. Tune in to hear how he discovered BiggerPockets, mastered creative financing, and built a thriving real estate portfolio—starting with just one room. Whether you're a traveling minimalist, athlete, or nine-to-fiver dreaming of financial independence, Eric's story will show you what’s possible with smart investing and community-minded real estate. Don’t miss this high-value episode. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:44] Transitioning from sports to a low-paying software job [04:05] Discovery of BiggerPockets during COVID lockdown [09:49] Told 15-year-old dreams don’t pay bills and shifted goals [13:04] Took higher role realizing he needed purpose beyond career [16:53] How frugality and long-term travel built financial discipline [19:30] Moving to Denver without job and landing one Day One [21:15] Volunteering in co-living in Oaxaca sparks new vision [23:06] Using new W2 to get pre-approved and find right property [26:00] Why co-living offered better ROI than duplex strategy [28:50] Buying a 4-bed, 3,000 sq ft house optimized for co-living [37:07] Biggest mindset shifts since becoming a property owner [38:30] Dealing with property management and early co-living issues [42:00] Learning lease management and tenant communication skills[45:20] You don't need to hustle 24/7 if systems are working [48:33] FI isn’t about retiring early but about intentional life design [51:47] Inspired to help others find clarity, confidence, financial peace 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 GUESTEric Lafon 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soylafon/
Jul 2, 2025 • 18min
Episode 247 - Achieving Financial Freedom: Craig Curelop's Mid-Year Update on Goals, Growth, and Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop, shares his personal and professional journey in 2025. Reflecting on his goals for the year, Craig provides updates on his progress in key areas such as health, spirituality, personal growth, and real estate investing. From intentional health choices and improving posture to deepening his faith and planning new business ventures, Craig opens up about the successes and challenges of staying aligned with his aspirations. Listen as he talks about the challenges of balancing relationships, fitness, and financial independence, while facing the ever-changing demands of life. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[00:20] Introduction to the mid-year reflection on personal and professional goals. [02:40] Discussing health and fitness goals and tracking progress. [03:59] Reflecting on spiritual growth and memorizing Bible verses. [05:10] Shifting focus on lifestyle and less travel, prioritizing home and community. [07:43] Personal growth through books, podcasts, and mentorship. [09:39] Relationship with family, improving communication, and staying connected. [13:04] Real estate goals, challenges, and a surprise property sale for cash flow. [14:40] Plans for expanding co-living properties with investors. [16:00] Closing thoughts on balancing personal life and work, staying focused on the big picture. 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
Jun 25, 2025 • 46min
Episode 246 - Chad Rocke’s Real Estate Flip Journey: Key Lessons on Budgeting, Permits, and Project Management
Chad Rocke’s Real Estate Flip Journey: Key Lessons on Budgeting, Permits, and Project Management Are you considering flipping a house but unsure about the risks and rewards? In this episode Chad Rocke, the lead agent at The Five Team, returns to share his firsthand experience from a recent real estate flip. He discusses the challenges and key lessons learned, offering listeners valuable insights into the realities of house flipping. Chad talks about the financing process, managing contractors, budgeting for unexpected expenses, and navigating difficult decisions like whether to pull permits. This episode is packed with practical advice that anyone in real estate or aspiring to flip houses can learn from. Tune in to hear about the lessons that Chad picked up through this process, and how these experiences shaped his approach to future investment opportunities. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [03:45] Chad Rocke introduces his latest flip and how he got involved in the project. [07:00] Chad reflects on past experiences and lessons learned from his earlier ventures. [12:27] The choice of property in Evergreen and the challenges of flipping in remote locations. [14:19] The importance of hiring trusted contractors and managing risk effectively during renovations. [17:42] Discussing financing strategies: the role of business credit and credit card stacking. [20:35] Understanding the costs involved in flipping: from plumbing to electrical work. [24:40] Decision-making behind property upgrades and keeping costs within budget. [27:39] The challenges and risks of buying properties with issues like septic systems. [33:30] The sale process: final steps to selling and the buyer's reaction to the property. [37:00] Financial breakdown: how the flip cost and timeline affected the final outcome. [41:30] The best advice that shaped his real estate journey: take calculated risks, follow proven success strategies. 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 Chad Rocke 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocketherealtor/
Jun 18, 2025 • 50min
Episode 245 - From Zero to House Hacker: How Tony Cruz Built Wealth in Denver with Co-Living Real Estate Strategy
What if your first real estate deal could pay your mortgage and fast-track financial independence? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig sits down with Tony Cruz, a first-time house hacker who purchased a $650,000 single-family home in Lakewood, Colorado—all while living abroad in Peru. Tony shares how he saved $60,000 over three years, worked with an investor-friendly agent, and used $15,000 in seller credits to buy down his interest rate from 6.9% to 6.25%. He explains how he converted the layout into a six-bedroom co-living setup, added egress windows, and completed $65,000 in renovations while preserving privacy by living in the basement. Tony breaks down how he filled his rooms during Denver’s off-season using Roomies and Facebook groups and screened quality tenants with clear standards. This episode is a detailed roadmap for anyone ready to take action on their first house hack, even in a competitive, high-cost market. Podcast Highlights: [02:44] Tony Cruz joins the show and shares first home goals [04:01 How Reddit inspired remote work and early FIRE goals [05:07] First homeownership dream and link to house hacking [10:00] Choosing Denver and identifying price limits and tradeoffs [10:45] The value of investor-friendly agents with co-living insight [14:54] Property specs including layout and duplex potential [23:41] Turning 3-bed main listing into 6-7 bedrooms total [25:55] Total $65K renovation cost breakdown and decisions made [29:27] Filled rooms proactively despite offseason tenant timing [33:10] Tenant screening methods and red flag messaging filters [34:55] Managing privacy and shared living as a live-in landlord [40:05] Long-term strategy and personal lessons from first deal [50:30] final advice for first-timers afraid to take the leap 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 GUESTTony Cruz 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stay.cruzin/ Use Code: ILOVECRAIG for Coliving Conference discount
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
Episode 244 - The Simple Path to Wealth Explained: J.L. Collins on Index Funds, FI Strategy & Financial Freedom
What if financial independence was simpler than you think? In this powerful episode Craig Curelop reconnects with a prominent figure in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement J.L Collins, whose best-selling book The Simple Path to Wealth has helped millions unlock freedom through frugality and investing in index funds. This is not just a rehash—J.L. drops updates on Pathfinders, the upcoming Simple Path to Wealth 2.0, and how staying the course in a volatile market is still the winning strategy. You will walk away with timeless principles of wealth-building, practical investment tips (like using VTSAX), and motivation to pursue Financial Independence regardless of income level. Perfect for anyone in the FIRE movement, new investors, or anyone questioning the value of good debt, savings rates, and lifestyle inflation. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [03:15] Book update and reflections on investing mindset [7:28] Avoiding lifestyle creep and how saving saved him [11:17] 4 percent rule and retirement income planning [16:12] How market volatility shapes disciplined investing long-term [25:27] Vanguard’s VTSAX index fund remains JL’s top investing pick [32:52] Staying the course when market drops test your resolve [38:03] Pushback on simplicity and myths about wealth accumulation [43:57] Financial independence is about freedom not early retirement age [47:27] Advice to young investors on maximizing savings from start [53:04] Stock market cycles and emotional control with investing [58:26] Meditation mindset helps maintain financial course in crashes 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 J.L. Collins 🌐 Website: https://jlcollinsnh.com/ ✖️ Twitter: https://x.com/jlcollinsnh?lang=en
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 2min
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 GUESTCliff 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
