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 27, 2025 • 57min
Episode 255 - ADU Investing, Real Estate Development, and Financial Independence With Phil Daughton
What if you could solve the housing crisis and build wealth at the same time? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig is joined by Phil Daughton, a general contractor with extensive experience in ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) builds. Together, they discuss the exciting potential of ADUs as a solution to the affordable housing crisis.Phil shares his insights on how to identify properties perfect for ADU development. He also covers key considerations during the building process and the future of this booming investment strategy. From construction tips to the best strategies for zoning regulations, this episode is a must-listen for real estate investors. If you're looking to maximize your properties and contribute to the affordable housing solution, you'll want to hear this. Learn the steps to build your own ADU and how to approach the market with a long-term investment mindset.PODCAST HIGHLIGHT:[04:25] Craig recalls Phil’s meetup talk on ADUs in California with a packed audience.[08:08] Phil shares starting a company in 2020 after leaving full-time work.[11:54] Remembering COVID times, waiting an hour outside Home Depot stores.[15:23] Investor example in California builds two ADUs behind the primary residence.[18:53] Rezoning properties for townhomes shows the city's affordable housing requirements255.[22:35] Guiding homeowners through ADU planning conversations on property potential.[26:03] Selling versus holding long-term property revealed major financial tradeoffs.[29:54] Rising property costs push investors to rethink affordability in California.[33:49] Comparing single-family return rates with multi-unit ADU rental strategies.[37:34] Networking for five years consistently built partnerships and steady project flow.[41:35] Challenges financing multiple ADU builds without overextending project budgets.[45:45] Phil shows confidence in adapting despite market downturns and risks.[49:43] Discussing three chapters from his book on investment lessons learned.[53:40] Comparing toys and material things with long-term wealth investments.HOSTCraig Curelop 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy 📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy 🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze GUESTPhillip Daughton🌐Website: https://prenvalleybuilders.com/🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-daughton-8a218943/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prenvalleybuilders/?hl=en
Aug 20, 2025 • 52min
Episode 254 - From One Apartment to Thousands: Sergii Starostin’s Co-Living Growth Playbook
What if you could turn one rented apartment into a thriving 2,000-room co-living empire? In this episode of Invest2FI, Sergii Starostin shares his journey from working in healthcare in Ukraine to pioneering co-living operations in New York City. Discover how Sergii turned a single 6-bedroom rental into a scalable business model. He shares how he attracted investors, navigated complex regulations, and built systems to handle massive growth. In this conversation, Sergii also talks about strategies for negotiating with landlords, building a strong team, resolving conflicts, and adapting during crises like COVID-19. Whether you’re curious about co-living as an investment strategy or simply want practical, scalable property management insights, you’ll find plenty of actionable tips here. Sergii dives into the future of co-living, nationwide expansion plans, and how to create real pathways to homeownership for residents. If you want to learn how to scale quickly while keeping risks low, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a masterclass in operational excellence and real estate entrepreneurship. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [03:57] Sergii’s background from Ukraine to U.S. real estate start[06:58] Launching the first co-living apartment in New York in 2016[09:40] Overcoming landlord objections with strong business planning[14:42] Raising $100K–$150K per project with investor partnerships[17:48] Scaling units rapidly through multi-property landlord deals[21:41] Navigating severe COVID losses and landlord negotiations[24:45] Converting leases to a management model for business survival[26:48] Acquiring failed competitor portfolios during market downturn[29:31] Systems to maintain tenant satisfaction and cleanliness[33:15] Managing conflicts and enforcing house rules effectively[37:19] Team structure: sales, operations, customer service, tech, finance[38:59] First hires and building a balanced sales–operations leadership[40:54] Outpost Club’s expansion plans across the top 10 U.S. metros[44:35] Sergii’s advice: find and secure good deals fast[45:55] Current reads: sci-fi and EOS business methodology[46:57] Sergii’s “why” – creating a path to homeownership for tenantsHOST 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 GUESTSergii Starostin 🌐Website: https://outpost-club.com/ 🔗LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergiistarostin/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shailerz/ 📧Email: sam@outposthyphenclub.com
Aug 13, 2025 • 52min
Episode 253 - Turning a Small Investment into High-Yield Real Estate Returns with David Edwards
How do you turn a seemingly bad investment into a profitable real estate venture? In this episode, Craig sits down with David Edwards, a Houston-based co-living operator, investor, and founder of CoLiving Operations. Dave shares how he left a shaky data analyst job to pursue real estate full time. From his first $65K house in January 2020 (turned pink inside by accident) to converting dining rooms into bedrooms, Dave walks through his path to an 8-bedroom pad splits yielding $2K+ in monthly cash flow. Learn what it takes to thrive in Houston’s unique rental market, how to mitigate co-living risks, and how his 300+ doors under management started with one “stripper house.” If you're eyeing cash flow, shared housing, or white-glove turnkey co-living investing, this episode delivers unmatched ground-zero detail. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:07] Dave shares why he left data analytics for real estate stability. [04:52] Describes moving from New York to Kingwood in 2019. [06:46] Purchases $65K rental property in January 2020, adds $20K rehab. [09:10] Discovers tenant abandoned the house after claiming COVID multiple times. [09:45] “First thing I see is a stripper pole”—Dave on entering home. [14:30] Rehabs trashed house and sells it, learning hard lessons. [16:45] Discusses April 2020 Kingwood flood-damaged flip yielding $40K profit. [20:45] Converts 5-bed home into 8-bed 3-bath co-living rental. [24:04] “I was cash flowing just shy of $2,000 a month.” [26:35] Sells property subject-to in order to fund duplex development. [33:23] Planning to build 10-bed 10-bath duplexes compliant with local laws. [35:29] Explains arbitrage model using 5-year leases with exit clauses. [39:00] Looks for properties with 60% parking and near public transit. [41:50] Reviews 12 deals weekly but only 3 usually make the cut. [43:45] “12–16% cash-on-cash is realistic—20% is rare in Houston.” [45:00] Uses Airbnb-style insurance in Texas due to co-living challenges. [46:20] “You don’t need to be perfect. Just start moving forward.” [48:30] “I don’t want to disappoint my wife—that’s my why 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 GUESTDavid Edwards 📱 Phone: (917) 482-5894 (text preferred) 👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djedwards83/
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/
