INVEST2FI

Craig Curelop aka The FI Guy

Episodes

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May 28, 2025 • 54min

Episode 242 - Build Wealth Without Selling – Nathan Miller’s Real Estate Strategy + Rentec Direct Story

What does it take to go from buying a $43,000 condo to becoming the founder of a property management software used nationwide? In this episode of the Invest2FI, Craig Curelop sits down with Nathan Miller—longtime real estate investor and founder of Rentec Direct—to uncover his journey from humble beginnings to building a rental portfolio and a successful SaaS business. Nathan shares how house hacking before it was cool helped launch his real estate journey, how he scaled during the 2008 crash, and why he built Rentec Direct to solve his own landlord headaches. You’ll gain actionable insights on long-term investing, spotting value in foreclosures, and building tech solutions from scratch. Whether you're a buy-and-hold landlord, tech-savvy investor, or someone curious about building wealth slowly but surely, this episode is packed with golden nuggets.  PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [03:50] Inspiration to start investing and first real estate deal  [06:59] House hacked before strategy became mainstream for investors  [09:50] Used condo equity to purchase better property and rent  [11:35] Bought during 2008 crash using smart financing strategy  [20:26] Foreclosure deal became long-term rental at massive appreciation  [21:50] Moved into duplexes after realizing scalability of multi-units  [24:06] Self-managing rentals led to building Rentec Direct platform  [28:34] Warns against assuming all markets behave the same  [31:45] Shares how Rentec's features save thousands of hours  [39:18] Funded deals using savings, no liquidity events needed  [44:50] Answers why he still won’t accept venture capital  [46:29] Shares biggest lesson from hard-to-rent new builds  [48:00] Final Four segment: best advice was stop renting  [49:05] Created Rentec solely to save people time  [53:28] Advice for young investors to take action now  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 Nathan Miller 🌐 Website: https://www.rentecdirect.com/ 🔗Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-miller-9087458/ 💻 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/hitechlandlord   🔗 Affiliate Links  🎟️ Co-Living Conference – June 6–7, 2025:  https://co-livingconference.com  Promo Code: ILOVECRAIG for $200 discounted ticket 
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May 21, 2025 • 54min

Episode 241 - From $10K in a Living Room to $42M Co-Living Empire – Clara Arroyave’s Comeback Story

Can a $10K summer Airbnb hustle turn into a $42 million real estate empire? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with Clara Arroyave, a pioneer in co-living and founder of ColivingCashflow.com. Clara reveals how she scaled from renting out a living room to managing 160+ co-living rooms, then lost it all during COVID—and how she’s now rebuilding with even greater momentum.  You’ll hear her strategies on arbitrage, multi-family conversions, B2B tenant acquisition, and startup-style fundraising. This is a must-listen for real estate investors who want to grow fast, pivot through crisis, and make impact-driven housing decisions. If you’re passionate about co-living, affordable rentals, or multifamily investing—Clara’s resilience and insights will blow your mind. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[04:29] Clara shares how she earned $10K from a living room Airbnb [07:35] First startup matched new residents with realtors open to no SSN [08:38] Built B2B network with HR and university housing contacts [10:37] Launched PlaceMe in 2016 to rent units as co-living spaces [16:01] Zero ad spend: How she filled units using B2B referrals [24:29] Raising money using SAFE agreements like a tech startup [30:29] Why Clara believes co-living can't be replaced by AI [32:34] COVID dropped occupancy from 95% to 40% in weeks [33:49] Clara negotiates lease terminations to avoid full collapse [34:15] Clara explains 30–36% rent boost from bedroom density in Boston [35:18] Joined investment bank to learn high-level capital raising [40:28] Discusses triple-decker conversions for scalable cash flow [48:35] Boston’s housing shortage and her plan to add 50K units [49:51] Why Clara is always near a Metallica concert [50:50] Final advice: Stay authentic, focus on strengths, solve real problems [51:50] Invitation to co-living conference and personal investor network 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 🎟️ Co-Living Conference – June 6–7, 2025:  https://co-livingconference.com Promo Code: ILOVECRAIG for $200 discounted ticket GUEST Clara Arroyave 🌐 Website: https://colivingcashflow.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeisrocknroll/ 🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claraarroyave/  
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May 14, 2025 • 45min

Episode 240 - How Co-Living Can Double Your Rental Income: Grant Shipman’s Proven 21-Year Strategy

How can you double your rental cash flow while creating a meaningful community? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop welcomes back co-living expert and long-time community builder Grant Shipman. With over two decades of co-living experience—both as a resident and investor—Grant breaks down why co-living is not just a trend, but a sustainable housing model that's here to stay. From his accidental beginnings in intentional shared living to managing profitable co-living spaces, Grant explains how healthy household dynamics, conflict resolution systems, and good design make co-living a win for both tenants and landlords. They also unpack the rise and fall of VC-backed co-living startups like Common and Ollie, why smaller operators are thriving, and how platforms like PadSplit are reshaping the landscape. If you're looking for a strategy with massive upside—financially and socially—this episode is packed with investor insights, operational tips, and future predictions. You’ll also hear about the first-ever Co-Living Conference happening June 6–7, 2025, in Denver—a must-attend event for real estate innovators. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[04:49] How co-living started accidentally for grant in 2000 [07:24]21 years of co-living and why he stayed committed [09:20] How community naturally forms in shared spaces [10:51] Resolving conflict in co-living strengthens relationships [11:55] Grant’s first conflict story in a seven-person house [17:41] Double rental income and higher cash flow with co-living [19:14] Shift from transitional housing to mainstream shared living [22:35] Why most VC-backed co-living startups failed post-COVID [24:05] Padsplit’s survival and the role of software in success [26:58] How saturation won’t stop good co-living operators [33:39] Grant’s average cash flow in cash flow markets [36:15] The key question where does co-living work well [38:49] Details of the first U.S. co-living conference [42:19] Final pitch for co-living event and community  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 🎟️ Co-Living Conference Tickets: https://co-livingconference.com 📚 The Co-Living Book by Miller McSwain: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/co-living-cash-flow-a-biggerpockets-guide?srsltid=AfmBOopIYB9b8MqjxMqt92ah1DCYaVjlscMbITIB9fEAD0sE1mruvlZl GUEST Grant Shipman 🏘️ Website: https://livingsmithpro.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingsmithpro/ 
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May 7, 2025 • 48min

Episode 239 - From Rocket Science to Co-Living Profits: Miller McSwain on Transforming Real Estate Strategies

Could a flexible rental model be the game-changer your property needs? In this episode of Invest2FI, host Craig Curelop sits down with Miller McSwain, a former nuclear rocket scientist turned full-time real estate investor and author of Co-Living Cash Flow by BiggerPockets. Starting with just two house hacks in Colorado Springs, Miller now oversees 6 co-living properties totaling over 50 rentable rooms, proving that strategic co-living can outpace traditional rental strategies — even in today’s high-interest-rate environment. Learn how Miller scaled his portfolio, designed high-retention communities, boosted cash flow with simple renovation tweaks, and managed operations to maximize tenant satisfaction. He also shares critical mistakes, like contractor red flags, that beginners can easily avoid. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:44] Miller discusses how games ignited his interest in exponential growth. [06:05] His first investment in mutual funds, influenced by Dave Ramsey. [08:55] Shares decision-making behind studying nuclear engineering in Tennessee. [11:01] Describes first exposure to real estate via his parents’ duplex idea. [15:25] Road trip story finding the right Colorado city for house hacking. [17:02] Breaks down numbers on first Colorado Springs co-living house hack. [20:05] Lessons from managing tenants, hiring cleaners, and improving systems. [25:50] Miller's second house hack: buying under market and adding bedrooms. [31:00] How to build strong community culture inside a co-living house. [33:30] Systems for leases, group chats, pizza nights, and boosting retention. [37:39] His experience financing co-living houses with conventional and DSCR loans. [39:00] Miller shares his plans for expanding his co-living portfolio. [44:15] Learn more about Miller’s book, Co-Living Cash Flow, and the co-living strategy. 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 Miller McSwain 📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/millermcswain  📘Book: https://millermcswain.com/book/ 🌐Website: https://millermcswain.com/ Co-living Conference: https://app.stormgrowthgroup.com/v2/preview/yZ4xXuM6ol1fTANaAYBV?notrack=true   
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Apr 30, 2025 • 47min

Episode 238 - Securing Better Real Estate Deals with Expert Home Inspections and Audits with Andrew Sams

What makes home inspections crucial for real estate investments? In this episode we are joined by Andrew Sams, the founder of Alpine Building Performance, to explore essential aspects of home inspections, energy audits, and how they influence property decisions. Andrew shares his journey into the home inspection industry and discusses the ins and outs of energy audits, revealing how simple upgrades can lead to significant savings. From insulation improvements to sewer scope inspections, Andrew provides actionable insights that every homebuyer and investor should know to make informed decisions. This episode is packed with expert advice on ensuring your properties are both efficient and safe, saving you time and money in the long run.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:41] Andrews’ journey and starting Alpine Building Performance[06:15] Importance of energy audits to reduce home costs[08:30] Top energy efficiency improvements for maximum ROI[10:55] Insulation and air sealing lower energy bills and improve comfort[13:05] Why sewer scope inspections are essential for buyers[17:45] Key components of a standard home inspection and its benefits[22:30] Deal breakers in inspections: structural, plumbing, electrical issues[24:55] Why outdated electrical panels need replacement for safety[27:05] Managing electrical issues in older homes, including circuit breakers[28:35] Addressing aluminum wiring in homes built from 1960s-1970s[32:00] Managing plumbing upgrades and calculating ROI[37:10] Home energy audits reveal improvements and potential savings[40:15] Sewer inspections prevent costly repairs and long-term damage[42:30] Prioritizing repairs after reviewing your home inspection report[44:00] Home inspections as a negotiation tool in real estate dealsHOSTCraig Curelop   📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy  📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   GUESTAndrew Sams🌐Website: https://www.alpinebuildingperformance.com/📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpinebuildingperformance/👍Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alpinebuildingperformance/💻Linked:https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpine-building-performance-llc/🎥Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8U89qry-jrHAuVNpAVCjfQ
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Apr 23, 2025 • 57min

Episode 237 - Make the BRRRR Method in Real Estate Work for You: Jessie Lang Shows Us How

In just a little over a decade, Jessie Lang went from having $400 left in her bank account to owning a real estate portfolio worth millions of dollars in appreciation value alone. She didn’t have a million dollars or a team of investors to make this happen. Learn how she used the BRRRR Method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat) to her full advantage to increase her real estate portfolio, starting with renting out two extra rooms in a condominium soon after she graduated from college.  Realizing how investing in real estate could give her freedom over her time and finances, she applied the BRRRR Method and saw exponential growth almost at lightning speed. She bought good deals on the real estate market, renovated them, rented them out, used the rent to buy more doors, and repeated the whole process. In less than 5 years, Jessie grew her portfolio from 22 doors to 75 doors.  As the cash flow paid for the properties, she found that she had time to pursue her other passion and career. Because she’s able to manage much of her portfolio remotely, she travels for leisure and coaches others on the proven BRRRR system to build one’s wealth through rental properties. She shares both the triumphs and the setbacks that she’s learned in the decade-plus that she’s been growing her business, and gives an overview of the key topics in her book, “Rentals Made Easy.”  Be inspired by Jessie’s story and get a glimpse of how it’s truly possible—yes, even in this economy—to grow a real estate empire, and earn millions without having to put up millions in capital to begin. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[3:34] Jessie’s Start in Real Estate Rentals  [13:26] Quitting Her Job and Traveling the World [14:11] Managing Rentals Remotely and Easily [18:10] A New Job and A New Life in Ohio [23:32] Investing More to Grow Her Portfolio [26:21] Realizing Real Estate Can Be a Career [27:37] Renovation Work and Other Real Challenges [30:05] 22 Doors on the First Year of BRRRR [32:45] Advice for Different Markets [35:23] The Impact of Rising Costs [35:41] Coaching to Succeed in Real Estate [36:29] Learning from Financial Losses [39:49] How Much Passive Income She’s Making Now [40:37] How She Stays on Top of her Portfolio [41:54] The Freedom Real Estate Gives You [43:38] Important Topics in Jessie’s Book, “Rentals Made Easy” [44:35] The Best Way to Find a Good Deal on the Market  HOST Craig Curelop   📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   GUEST Jessie Lang 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessielangofficial/ 📘 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Rentals-Made-Easy-Step-Step/dp/B0DYVDCML3 📱Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlockedguide   
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Apr 16, 2025 • 55min

Episode 236 - From Banker to Real Estate Pro: How Nathan Robbins Built Wealth Through Wholesaling, Flipping, and Airbnb Investing

What if one leap of faith could change your life forever? In this episode of Invest2FI, Nathan Robbins shares how he left a $75,000 banking job and stepped into the world of real estate with no formal experience—only determination and a 90-day contract offer from investor Tarl Yarber. He explains how that decision led him to work on over 30 to 40 flips per year in the Seattle-Tacoma market and eventually build his own investment portfolio. Nathan breaks down the numbers and strategy behind his first solo deal: a $185,000 purchase that he renovated with $60,000, refinanced, and later added a detached Airbnb unit. That same property now appraises at over $700,000 and cash flows between $1,500 to $2,000 per month. He talks through zoning rules in Tacoma, shares how he handled the financing with a private money lender, and explains why betting on himself—even with skydiving in his contract—was the right move. He also shares his cold-call script and objection-handling worksheet used to secure off-market properties. This episode is packed with real numbers, lessons from the field, and examples from someone who built long-term success by starting small and staying consistent. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[04:14] Nathan shares how a failing corporate path led him to real estate [05:48] He meets Tarl Yarber and remembers buying Carlton Sheets’ tapes [07:51] The life-changing 90-day contract and leaving his job at the bank [10:47] Nathan explains his acquisitions role and onboarding investment properties [11:18] Compensation differences between working at a bank and real estate [14:02] Overcoming fear, skydiving, and betting on performance-based income [18:59] Nathan’s “Forreal deal” story and building a high-cash-flow ADU [22:41] Converting a garage into an Airbnb unit and zoning limitations [24:29] Property breakdown: bought at $185K, now worth nearly $700K [26:19] Why wholesalers are gold for flippers and how to work with them [34:35] Managing six doors and the emotional side of partnerships [35:10] How he made $196K on his first independent flip outside Fixated [50:53] Where to connect with Nathan and get his cold-call script 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💻Co-living Conference: co-livingconference.com     GUEST Nathan Robbins 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n8robbins/  
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Apr 9, 2025 • 49min

Episode 235 - Maximizing ROI with Co-Living: Jake Baker’s Path to Financial Freedom

Can real estate investing offer a path to financial freedom? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig is joined by Jake Baker, an engineer turned real estate investor, as they discuss his remarkable journey from house hacking to the innovative co-living model in Jacksonville. Jake shares his transition from aerospace engineering to full-time real estate investing, including his first experiences with the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) and how the co-living model has helped him optimize cash flow while growing his portfolio.Jake discusses the power of networking, particularly at conferences like BPCon, and reveals how he found his passion for real estate while studying at Long Beach State. He also talks about his unique experience with co-living spaces and how he blends short-term and long-term strategies for financial freedom.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:48] - Jake shares his real estate journey, starting as an engineer.[04:50] - First property investment in Long Beach with a close friend.[06:15] - How Jake and his friend made their first real estate deal work.[08:12] - Why they decided to partner on their first property in Long Beach.[09:10] - Financing their first house with an FHA loan and creative down payment.[11:00] - The importance of choosing the right property and managing risk.[13:05] - Explaining the tax advantages of selling a primary residence using the "2 of 5-year rule".[14:45] - His first out-of-state investment in Jacksonville and the key lessons learned.[16:40] - Jake explains his move to co-living and how it increases cash flow.[19:30] - How Jake’s co-living model works and the potential for long-term success.[22:00] - The importance of location, layout, and tenant demographics in co-living investments.[25:10] - The benefits of using private money for real estate deals and partnerships.[27:30] - How he found success with short-term rentals in San Diego.[30:45] - Strategies for turning a 3-bedroom house into a 9-bedroom co-living space.[36:20] - Key factors when transitioning from traditional long-term rentals to co-living.[39:00] - The importance of understanding co-living regulations and permits in San Diego.[41:00] - The future of co-living investments and what his plans are for growth.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   💻Co-living Conference: co-livingconference.comGUESTJake Baker💻LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-baker-831a97208/🌐Website: https://bookkeepingre.com/
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Apr 2, 2025 • 50min

Episode 234 - Remote Real Estate Success: Investment Tips and Team Growth with Ali Garced

Are you ready to hear how Ali Garced, a successful real estate agent, is mastering remote business management while building a nationwide real estate team? In today’s episode of Invest2FI, Ali shares her journey of working remotely from St. Paul, Minnesota, and the growth of her real estate team under the EXP umbrella. She also talks about her return to real estate investment, focusing on a seven-unit building in St. Paul, all while still building her real estate team from afar.  This episode is packed with actionable advice for agents looking to expand remotely and investors interested in growing a real estate portfolio. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [02:55] Ali shares her business evolution from Arizona to Minnesota [06:15] The flexibility of working remotely in real estate explained [09:00] How Ali manages client relationships despite being in a different state [11:30] Remote real estate work: Efficiency through showings and outsourcing [14:40] Exploring how Ali uses social media and YouTube for lead generation [17:00] Ali’s YouTube journey: From zero to lead generation machine [19:10] Why YouTube is Ali’s preferred platform for real estate marketing [21:30] Outsourcing showing agents: Ali’s solution for efficient operations [24:10] The importance of automation and delegation in business scaling [27:50] Ali discusses the transition back into real estate investment [30:00] A detailed look at Ali’s investment in a seven-unit building [33:00] How Ali leverages private lending to fund her real estate purchases [36:20] Ali's approach to securing properties below market value [40:00] The benefits of Section 8 tenants in rental property investments [44:30]Scaling your real estate portfolio and managing remote operations 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/3V3QDzeaig Curelop GUEST Ali Garced 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali_the_agent/ 🌐Website: https://www.aligarced.com/ 🖥️Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandragarced/ 🎥Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlitheAgent   
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Mar 26, 2025 • 56min

Episode 233 - Real Estate Investing Journey with Owen Dashner: From Single Family Homes to Multifamily Success

Are you looking to get into real estate but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you want to learn how investors achieve long-term financial independence? In today’s episode, Craig is with Owen Dashner, a real estate veteran with over 20 years of experience, to discuss the key lessons and strategies he’s learned from his journey in real estate.  Owen is a co-host of the popular REIA Radio podcast with Ted Kaasch, and he brings his wealth of knowledge about buying single-family homes, flipping properties, and investing in multi-family properties. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your real estate portfolio, Owen’s insights are invaluable. From understanding market dynamics to avoiding costly mistakes, Owen’s candid approach to investing will inspire you to take action and improve your strategy. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:39] Owen’s journey into real estate after exploring various career paths. [07:08] Creative finance strategies, like “nothing down,” transformed his real estate approach. [10:35] His experience buying foreclosures and flipping properties for profit. [13:19] Why his first flip wasn’t profitable but still offered valuable insights. [17:00] Partnering with a friend helped Owen maximize his investment efforts without capital. [20:02] Switching focus from single-family homes to multi-family properties for faster growth. [24:09] The importance of mentors and relationships within real estate meetups. [28:15] How small-town banks helped him finance real estate with 100% funding. [30:55] His portfolio with the BRRRR method, utilizing creative financing and rehab. [34:18] Pros and cons of self-managing properties versus hiring a property management company. [37:25] Obstacles like renovations, contractors, and making low offers in real estate. [44:42] The importance of setting clear property criteria to guide negotiations. [47:15] Direct mail campaigns helped Owen target off-market deals and boost his success rate. [51:09] Reflections on lessons learned from the market shift following the 2008 crisis. 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 Owen Dashner 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owenmoneyrealestate/ 📽️Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reia-radio/id1582763673 🌐 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-dashner-20869a/  

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