

The Co-Living Show
Craig Curelop and Miller McSwain
Co-living is one of the most misunderstood, and highest-potential, strategies in residential real estate investing. Most investors hear the buzzwords, see the cash-flow claims, and immediately assume it’s either too risky, too operationally intense, or too complicated to scale. The truth is simpler: coliving work exceptionally well when built on systems, governed by operational clarity, and executed like a real business, not a side hustle. The Co-Living Show exists to make that clarity accessible for serious professionals who want smarter returns without gambling on guesswork.Hosted by BiggerPockets authors Craig Curelop and Miller McSwain, The Co-Living Show goes far beyond surface-level real estate content. This is the only real estate investing podcast dedicated exclusively to the economics, operations, regulations, and strategic frameworks that drive high-density co-living and shared housing at scale. Whether you’re new to the model or a high-earning, time-poor professional seeking exposure to a sophisticated cash-flow real estate strategy without becoming an operator, this show delivers the confidence, understanding, and insight needed to invest intelligently.Each episode takes you inside the real-world systems behind co-living performance. You’ll hear from operators running multi-market portfolios, attorneys specializing in zoning and compliance, designers who understand space optimization and profitability, lenders financing room-by-room rental strategies, and property managers and city officials shaping the future of affordable housing innovation. You’ll also hear from the Co-Living Cash Flow Community, everyday investors solving operational challenges and executing the exact frameworks discussed on the show. 👉 Join the community: www.millermcswain.com/communityThere is no fluff here. No hype. No motivational noise. Every conversation is grounded in data, regulatory insight, operational logic, and investor-level clarity. Co-living is not “passive income.” It’s not a shortcut. It’s a system. And systems — when executed correctly — produce scalable, predictable returns that outperform traditional rental models. This is not speculative theory. It’s cash-flow real estate strategy in action.Craig brings acquisitions, underwriting, and market strategy. Miller brings operations, pricing systems, and standardization frameworks that make coliving scalable. Together, they deliver an operator’s perspective of an asset class most investors only see from the outside. As BiggerPockets authors, educators, and practitioners, they simplify complexity without diluting truth: coliving works, but only when done correctly.You’ll hear underwriting breakdowns, operator case studies, deal teardowns, regulatory realities, tenant strategy, market analysis, and the economic logic behind high-density residential investing. You’ll learn how to invest passively, partner with experienced operators, or simply understand the business model in depth, even if you never plan to manage a property yourself.The Co-Living Show does not claim co-living works. It proves when, why, and under what conditions it works.If you want confidence instead of conjecture, systems instead of speculation, and clarity instead of chaos, this is your source of truth for professional-grade residential real estate investing.Subscribe and join thousands of investors building deeper understanding, stronger portfolios, and smarter strategies, without wasting time on noise.This is the future of residential real estate investing. And now you’ll finally understand how it works.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 2, 2024 • 10min
Invest2Friday: Q1 Market Update with Chad Rocke
Tune in today for a market update from the field with FI Team lead agent Chad Rocke. Let's answer the burning questions:1. Are people still rate locked?2. Did you miss getting a deal?3. Is it a buyers or seller's market? 4. How to structure deals in this market?5. What will happen if rates come down?Will you be a buyer in this market?

Jan 31, 2024 • 54min
Episode 173 - Achieving the 1% Rule in Real Estate With Ian Hogan
Have you ever wondered what it takes to redefine your financial future? Join us as we dive into the hows and whys of financial flexibility with our guest, Ian Hogan. After discovering the stock market wasn’t the right fit for him, a Google search landed him on BiggerPockets and introduced him to the world of real estate investing. Ian's unique journey offers valuable insights to inspire both real estate newbies and veterans. Tune in as Ian dives into the technical intricacies of working with contractors, balancing the different kinds of financial loans, and managing a mixed-use property. Ian shares his critical lessons from undertaking a substantial house hacking venture and proves that house hacking can be highly profitable in nearly any market. Gain behind-the-scenes insights into how Ian achieved the 1% rule in real estate and the calculations behind achieving this monumental feat. With his passion for helping others make data-driven decisions in real estate, Ian’s analytical and technical know-how might be just what you need to propel your portfolio forward! As an avid community builder at local meetups, Ian’s story is a testament that financial independence is possible for anyone willing to broaden their horizons and learn from others. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [5:45] Ian’s Introduction to Real Estate [14:30] Diving Into His First Real Estate Investment [16:55] Learning How to Work with Contractors [20:50] Behind the Scenes of Ian’s Mixed-Use Property Investment [22:25] On Navigating HUDs and 203K Loans[30:35] Dealing with FHA and VA Loans [37:25] Achieving the 1% Rule in Real Estate [39:10] Understanding Section 8 Housing [44:24] A Glimpse Into Ian’s Future Real Estate Plans [47:45] Nuggets of Real Estate Wisdom and His Why HOSTS 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 Ali Garced 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/ali_the_agent/ 📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aligarced 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandragarced/ 🖥 Website: https://www.garcedrealty.com/ GUEST Ian Hogan 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/realestateengineered/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianhogan93/ 💻 Website: https://www.engineerrealestate.com/ 🗣 Meetup: https://www.facebook.com/simplifiedREImeetup/ ✍️ Medium: https://medium.com/@engineer-real-estate

Jan 26, 2024 • 17min
Invest2Friday: 11 Things To Do Before You're 22 To Be A Millionaire at 30
Today's episode of Invest2Friday was inspired by a group of guys Craig met at a Meetup last month and is dedicated to all those 22 year olds out there wondering what they can do today to ensure to financial freedom and wealth in the future. This list is high level, but tune in to hear Craig's advice on how to bring these things to life:1. Get a high paying W2 job2. Start House Hacking3. Don't worry about dating4. Drift away from friendships that don't lift you up5. Bike to work 6. Seek a higher power7. Get a side hustle8. Educate yourself 9. Move out of your parent's basement 10. Build your investor team 11. Do the things no one else is willing to doHave a question on how to make any of these happen? Hit Craig up on IG @thefiguy and if you liked this episode - leave us a rating or review!

Jan 24, 2024 • 50min
Episode 172 - Qutting A W-2 Job At 26 And Becoming A Millionaire At 29 With David Lecko
Quitting the rat race in your 20s might sound crazy for some, but our guest today defied the impossible and proved that it’s possible to become financially free before 30! Join us for a jampacked episode with David Lecko, CEO of DealMachine and renowned investor in single-family long-term rentals. David's entrepreneurial venture began in 2017 when he recognized the potential of finding off-market deals and sending offers through direct mail. Overcome with the challenges of manual tracking, he created the DealMachine app, which allows investors to find off-market leads and streamline the marketing process easily. Today, DealMachine has become a must-try app for serious investors and has facilitated over 10,000 successful deals across all 50 states. Tune in to learn how David successfully transitioned from a W2 job to a full-time commitment to real estate and how it took him three years to achieve financial freedom. We talk about the secrets behind his profitable BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) deals, the key to managing hot leads, and learning how to optimize your team as a business owner and investor. Whether you are a seasoned real estate professional or a newcomer, David Lecko's expertise makes this episode a must-listen for anyone looking for real-life success in real estate investing. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[3:44] David’s First Real Estate Deal [8:24] On Choosing Ideal Roommates [10:22] Transitioning From a W2 to Real Estate [16:40] Unpacking David’s Profitable BRRRR Deals [21:40] The Secret Sauce to Finding Good Deals in 2024 [26:00] On Budgeting for Direct Marketing [26:30] Why Deal Machine Is a Gamechanger for Real Estate [33:30] A Glimpse Into David’s Future Plans [38:35] Best Piece of Advice [43:00] The Problem With Diving Into Multiple Side Hustles HOSTS 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 Ali Garced 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/ali_the_agent/ 📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aligarced 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandragarced/ 🖥 Website: https://www.garcedrealty.com/ GUEST 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/dlecko/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlecko/ 💻 Website: https://www.dealmachine.com/ 🎧 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidLecko 🎙️Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn1ZGx59ETNoOsbXWeMoe 📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.lecko/ 🗣 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidlecko

Jan 19, 2024 • 15min
Invest2Friday: Already Tossed Out Your New Year's Resolutions?
Ali breaks down why New Year's Resolutions don't work, but quarterly check-ins with your team - or yourself - could be the ticket to achieve at a higher level. If you want more guidance on how to plan out your year and goals like Ali, hit her up on IG @ali_the_agent and she'll share the trackers she uses to stay on track!

Jan 17, 2024 • 59min
Episode 171 - Watch Your Real Estate Profits Skyrocket Through Wholesaling and Strategic Networking With Kelly Clark
Start your real estate journey intensely with our guest today, Kelly Clark, co-owner of Rockstar Real Estate LLC and passionate house hacker and investor. After deciding to do a 180-degree career shift into real estate, Kelly shares with us today the steps she took to fast-track her journey learning about strategic investing and property management. By hosting local meetups, building a solid network, and learning from experienced mentors, our guest today proves the tried-and-tested advice that it’s very much possible to succeed in real estate even when starting from zero knowledge and no connections! Join us as Kelly discusses tapping into the wholesale market through MLS and partnering with more experienced investors to capitalize on these leads. We also talk about unique ways to solidify your financial strategy and why claiming your identity as an investor can be a game-changer. In just a few short years, Kelly has amassed diverse experiences, delving into property management, flipping, and wholesaling different types of homes. Her journey shows there is always time to pivot careers and gain financial freedom later in life. Learn exactly how you can do it in today’s jam-packed episode! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[5:30] Starting With Zero Real Estate Knowledge [8:00] The Secret to Building a Real Estate Network [14:10] Kelly’s First Deal [16:36] Diving Into Realistic Real Estate Costs [27:35] A Glimpse Into Kelly’s Successful Portfolio [28:55] On House Hacking a Fourplex [32:20] Must-Know Investing Hack: Opening a Trust [39:00] Why You Should Be Represented [41:10] Unpacking Essentials of Kelly’s Rehab [46:53] Tapping into the Advantages of a HELOC [51:10] Nuggets of Wisdom for Serious Investors HOSTS 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 Ali Garced 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/ali_the_agent/ 📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aligarced 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandragarced/ 🖥 Website: https://www.garcedrealty.com/ GUEST Kelly Clark from Rockstar Real Estate LLC 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyclarkevents/ 💻 Website: https://www.therockstarllc.com/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/rockstar_real_estate_llc/ 📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRockstarLLC

Jan 12, 2024 • 17min
Invest2Friday: A Deep Dive into Craig's First House Hack Ever
Today's episode might be the glimpse into your future. Flash back 6.5 years ago to when Craig purchased his first house hack in Denver.... Do any of the points below resonate with you? 1. Learned about house hacking through BiggerPockets, motivated by the idea!2. Nervous it was the top of the market when he wanted to buy3. Had to revision what his vision of his first property would be4. Paid $100K more than his neighbor did 2 years prior, feared he got a horrible deal 5. Finally got the deal, but had rough co-tenantsShoot @thefiguy a comment and let him know where you are in your house hacking journey.

Jan 10, 2024 • 58min
Episode 170 - Take Risks When Your Young With Tanner Pile
In this episode, we’re diving into real estate with Tanner Pile, a rising real estate agent, investor, and house hacker. Tune in as our guest shares his real estate journey, from navigating his first-ever deal to learning how to identify properties with the most potential. We explore the complexities of pursuing owner financing, borrowing hard money, and taking calculated risks in real estate. Tanner is living proof that it’s never too early to start learning about real estate, as he began taking masterclasses and gaining mentorship during his final semesters in college. This episode delves into his experience of becoming a real estate agent and achieving passive income at 25. He has since made it his mission to empower others to pursue long-term wealth and financial freedom through strategic real estate investments. So, if you want to start investing and growing your investment portfolio in 2024, don’t miss out on this insightful episode on achieving real estate success and financial freedom today! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [5:40] Learning About Financial Independence [8:35] Navigating His First Real Estate Deal [14:25] Narrowing Down Properties in New Areas [17:45] Transitioning From Being a W2 Agent to Full Commission [21:40] On Bringing in Family Into the Real Estate Industry [24:05] A Glimpse Into Becoming a Real Estate Agent [30:25] Dos and Donts for Allowing Pets in Airbnbs [3400] Unpacking Owner Financing [44:48] Tanner’s Passive Income at 25 Years Old [48:25] Words of Wisdom for Every Investor HOSTS 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 Ali Garced 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/ali_the_agent/ 📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aligarced 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandragarced/ 🖥 Website: https://www.garcedrealty.com/ GUEST Tanner Pile 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/tanner_pileuprealestate/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanner-pile/ 💻 Website: https://www.pileuprealestate.com/

Jan 5, 2024 • 13min
Invest2Friday: 30K Foot View of Successful Systems to Rock Your Real Estate Biz
Agents, or wanna be agents, this one is for you! In this episode of Invest2Friday Ali runs through all her systems and processes that have helped to grow her real estate business. These systems have allowed Ali to retire from the Air Force and close 85+ deals in the last 2.5 years. She doesn't just talk about what she uses for buyers, sellers and referrals, but she's offering up her check lists to you! Shoot her a DM on IG @ali_the_agent OR text Checklist to 520-341-2552.

Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 2min
Episode 169 - Tapping Into Your Inner Creativity for House Hacking and Real Estate Property Hunting With Tori Borges
In this episode, Tori Borges shares how joining the world of real estate has never been this enticing. Since Tori’s venture into real estate in 2017, she has amassed an impressive portfolio through self-teaching and learning from mentors in the field. Join us for an engaging episode with Tori as she gives listeners a glimpse into her unique perspectives and investing mindsets that have brought her financial independence in just a few years! This episode’s discussion revolves around the power of appreciation in real estate investments, valuable insights into cultivating a successful portfolio, and tips and tricks for sharing your home on Airbnb. We also discuss the crucial question of knowing when it's the right time to sell a property. Tori also shares her transformative journey of becoming a real estate agent, offering a unique perspective on navigating this dynamic field. Tune in to hear her top three tips for real estate investors, providing creative insights for those seeking innovative approaches. Throughout the episode, Tori's passion for imparting real estate wisdom shines through, making this episode a valuable resource for aspiring and seasoned investors. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [3:05] Introducing Tori Borges [4:40] Join the Invest2FI House Hacking Intensive [7:10] Growing Up With a Real Estate Background[10:00] How Active Duty Plays a Significant Role in Real Estate [15:35] Tori’s First Deal [20:25] The Power of Appreciation [23:05] Sharing Your Home on Airbnb [27:40] How Do You Know When It’s Time to Sell [29:20] On 1031 Exchange [39:50] On Becoming a Real Estate Agent [42:00] Top 3 Creative Tips for Real Estate Investors [49:20] Must-Hear Advice for All InvestorsHOSTS 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 Ali Garced 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/ali_the_agent/ 📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aligarced 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandragarced/ 🖥 Website: https://www.garcedrealty.com/ GUEST 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/realtori_rose/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-borges-a26108256/


