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
Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 8min
Episode 163 - How to Reach Multi-Millionaire Status Before Turning 30 With Jaren Sustar
Are you tired of dreading decades of working a 9-5, only to retire at an age where your best years are far behind you? Our guest today realized early on that making $45,000 a year wouldn’t get him to where he wanted to go. Join us for this insightful episode where he tells us exactly how he went from being buried in $100,000+ debt to reaching multi-millionaire status before turning 30! As the founder of Finance Cowboy, Jaren Sustar has made it his mission to teach anyone how to scale a real estate portfolio, flip homes for huge profits, and current trends in today’s economy. In this episode, we discuss the controversial debate of paying off debt before or during investing in properties and making it big with the BRRR method. Jaren shares how he went from working a physically intensive job at 4 AM to spending only 30 minutes managing his current portfolio. With discussions on building a network, finding private money, and figuring out property management, this episode is a goldmine for anyone ready to make it big in real estate. It’s time to finally discover the alternative to a lifetime of work without end. Tune in to learn how to become financially free and gain the ability to spend your time and energy on what matters. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[5:25] A Warm Introduction to Jaren's Journey [12:21] On Paying off Personal Debt Before Investing [16:20] The Earning Potential of Sales Roles [21:40] The Deal That Changed It All [28:40] On the Three Main Financing Methods [31:00] The Key to Finding Private Money[36:50] Is Building a Personal Brand a Must? [40:50] Unpacking Jaren’s Portfolio [44:00] Optimizing Property Management [45:30] Understanding Marketing and Lead Generation Tactics [50:20] On Seller Financing [58:19] What’s Next for the Finance Cowboy? 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 Jaren Sustar📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financecowboy/ 💻 Website: https://financecowboy.com/ 🎧 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@financecowboy 🎙️Podcast: https://financecowboy.com/podcast/ 📱Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefinancecowboy 🗣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/financecowboy 📞 Personal Number: 763-284-3693 🤝 Local Meetup: https://www.facebook.com/groups/financecowboy
Nov 17, 2023 • 15min
Invest2Friday: Why Christmas Music Makes Me Think About Real Estate
Tis the season to land a deal on a property. While others are relaxing, winding down for the year and enjoying the holidays they are not looking to buy. And sellers are motivated to sell by end of the year. Craig shares a story about a deal he closed in December a few years back and the $20-$30K savings from buying when he did. And you'll get the honest truth about some of the drawbacks of buying this time of year too...but as Craig likes to say, when other's zigs he zags and it's worked out pretty well....most of the time!
Nov 15, 2023 • 56min
Episode 162 - Pivoting from the American Dream to be Financially Free Before 30 With Diego Corzo
Some financial independence stories sound too good to be true, but most people don’t realize the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. Today, we’re sitting down with Forbes-featured real estate investor, mentor, and entrepreneur Diego Corzo. His story is a testament to the power of self-actualizing one’s dreams through sheer perseverance and commitment to the long-term vision of financial freedom! Diego’s journey began when he moved from Lima, Peru, to the United States at 9 to pursue the American dream. After becoming disillusioned by corporate America, Diego leaped into real estate investing despite his limitations as an immigrant. In just three years, he sold over 200 units with The Nino Real Estate Group, catapulting him from struggling to take out loans to handling more than $50 million in sales volume. Today, Diego is committed to showing millennials that they can realistically achieve their financial goals, even starting from zero. Diego’s journey is a remarkable testament that challenging the American dream will pay off immensely. In his early 30s, Diego is now able to fly to Puerto Rico and enjoy his dream condo at least once a month, thanks to his ability to work from anywhere while still making passive income. So, if you're ready to make it in the real estate field and live your dreams of financial freedom, be sure to tune in and learn from someone who took the risk and made it big. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [4:33] Starting on the FI Journey [6:00] “Build A Bigger Life, Not a Bigger Lifestyle” [8:10] Learning How To Execute His First Investment [15:30] On Finding the Right Lender [18:10] Rethinking the Conventional American Dream [29:10] The Evolution of Diego’s Current Portfolio [34:20] Avoid This Common Partnership Mistake [37:35] Building an Effective Team [45:53] Must Hear Advice for 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 Diego Corzo📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/realdiegocorzo/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegocorzo/ 💻 Website: https://diegocorzo.com/ 📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diegocorzorealtor/
Nov 10, 2023 • 17min
Invest2Friday: Lessons from BPCON
If you missed BPCON this year, or didn't make it to all the sessions you wanted, then tune in for Ali's takeaways from the event. Ali walks through some of her biggest learnings and provides the links or resources to dive in more!! And, if you're listening to this show, and haven't taken a chance to leave us a rating or review - please let us know what you think of these new Friday episodes & the podcast in general. We love the feedback.
Nov 8, 2023 • 1h 1min
Episode 161 - Finding Your Passion and Financial Independence Through Real Estate With Mike DeHaan
Finding the intersection between your passions and a profitable career can be one of life’s most significant challenges, but today’s guest has pulled it off. In this episode, we’re joined by Mike DeHaan, who started his real estate journey in 2018 and has since built a portfolio of over 50 units as a majority owner. After realizing that the 9-5 grind was draining his zest for life, Mike embarked on a path of self-discovery that led him down countless side hustles and eventually pointed him toward real estate. Through trial and error, Mike’s innate curiosity and risk-taking attitude taught him the power of real estate to allow him to work from anywhere and push him closer to his financial dreams. In this episode, you’ll hear about how Mike created the passive income he had always aspired to through real estate investments and the art of house flipping. He talks about bouncing back after disheartening deals, financial losses, and discouragement from friends and family. We also touch on the common debate of pulling out of your 401k early, building and ending partnerships, and the misconceptions that come with extreme saving and financial independence. Today, Mike’s company has scaled to 9 markets and has completed over 130 real estate transactions. Tune in to hear how his journey is a testament that anyone has the potential to shape their financial future. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [4:45] Learning About Financial Independence [6:45] Why Extreme Saving Isn’t Great [10:00] Transitioning From W-2 Employment [12:00] The Problem of Sacrificing Fun for Financial Independence [18:10] The Power of Bigger Pockets [21:10] Mike’s First Deal as an Investor [23:50] Pulling Money From Your 401k Early [26:45] Partnering With the State for Assisted Living Facilities [34:40] Cashflowing With House Flipping [40:25] On Partnering With Other Investors [46:15] Mike’s Journey From 2018 [54:50] Must-Know Advice for 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 Mike DeHaan 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dehaan-20a27b63/ 💻 Website: https://mikeinvests.com/ 🎙️Collecting Keys Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collecting-keys-real-estate-investing-podcast/id1590409613?app=podcast&at=1000lHKX&ct=linktree_http&itscg=30200&itsct=lt_p&ls=1&mt=2 📞 Personal Number: https://calendly.com/collectingkeys/instant-investor-call&
Nov 3, 2023 • 13min
Invest2Friday: Where is the market going?
Is the market going to tank? Or will it continue to rise? Tune into this episode of Invest2Friday to hear Craig's predictions on where he thinks the market is going and why. After you listen - hit him up on Instagram @thefiguy and let him know your thoughts and if you think he's full of C*%&!
Nov 1, 2023 • 1h 8min
Episode 160 - Revealing House Hacking Secrets With Stacey Stegenga
Stacey's incredible journey began when she lost faith in a system that criminally underpaid nurses. Determined to reclaim her power and take control of her financial path, she taught herself how to find and land great real estate investments. In just 18 months, she achieved an impressive milestone of acquiring eight doors by purchasing four duplexes in Florida, all funded on her dime. In this episode, we discuss the power of house hacking and Stacey’s experience rehabbing C-Class properties. She also talks about overcoming challenges every investor goes through analysis paralysis, the importance of “speed to lead”, handling contractors, and raising tenant rent. Stacey also discusses her expertise in the exciting field of commercial real estate. As Stacey rapidly approaches her FI number, she shares how anyone can escape the 9-5 grind and set a realistic course for financial independence through real estate investing. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for aspiring and long-term investors, which you won’t want to miss! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[6:05] Stacey’s Start With Financial Independence [11:30] Saving Smart Through Renting [16:00] Overcoming Paralysis Analysis [22:10] Diving Into Stacey’s Bold First Deal[26:30] What Is Estoppel in Real Estate? [34:27] Unlocking Efficient Property Management With Hemlane [37:34] On Renovating C-Class Properties [42:55] Achieving Passive Income [50:20] Getting Started With Commercial Real Estate [54:20] How Stacey Is Getting to Her FI Number [57:00] Best Piece of Advice for 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 Stacey Stegenga 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/investforfreedom_rn/ 🎙️Podcast:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-169?fbclid=IwAR1-bTWjjncPTgTIVLkW7YgJAcdNFkIm1VwsezRB0IZmvwrECiOUpPqdCTk&fs=e&s=cl 🌳 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/investforfreedom
Oct 27, 2023 • 20min
Invest2Friday: Questions to ask before joining a brokerage
Ali breaks down the most important questions for agents to ask before joining a brokerage. Yes, some bias here that highlight the benefits of being an agent under eXp - but some of what we all love about working in real estate is due to the commissions and perks we get by being eXp agents. HELLO STOCK :) If you're seeking out the right brokerage or team hit up @ali_the_agent or @thefiguy on IG - we're happy to connect with you 1:1 and answer your questions about eXp and our respective teams.
Oct 25, 2023 • 1h 5min
Episode 159 - Investing with Your Spouse and Cashflowing on Profitable Real Estate Ventures With Ashley and Nate Page
Get ready for an inspiring journey of a dynamic couple who transformed their lives from being laid off to becoming successful investors. In this episode, we talk with Ashley and Nate Page, a young couple struggling from job lay-offs to succeeding in their financial independence goals in just a few years! We’re diving into the universal struggles and fears of becoming first-time homeowners, paying off “bad” debt, and negotiating for the best money lending deal. Ashley and Nate also share the secrets to succeeding in their bread-and-butter: renting out houses by the room at $850 per month and above. We also discuss how Ashley’s efforts in designing and staging units can close a deal the moment a client walks in the door! As a couple navigating their financial independence journey, Nate and Ashley are passionate about teaching others that leading unconventional careers is the way to pass down generational wealth to your family. So, if this sounds like one of your goals, tune in to learn how you and your spouse can build a successful business and real estate portfolio! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[4:20] Starting the Real Estate Journey [11:15] The First Deal in Denver [14:55] The Art of Real Estate Analysis [18:45] The Power of Off-Market Deals [21:45] Negotiating the Best Deal With Lenders [24:50] Crunching the Numbers for an Off-Market Deal [29:50] Renting Out Rooms at $850 - $950 Price Points [38:20] Finding the Perfect Home Flip [44:15] The Profit Potential of Additional Bedrooms [49:00] The Secret to Investing With Your Spouse [56:15] Words of Wisdom For Any 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/ GUESTS Ashley and Nate Page 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/turninthepages/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleydaniellepage/ 💻 Website: https://msha.ke/turninthepages/ 📸 Ashley’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleydaniellepage/ 📸 Nate’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/nate909page/ 🌳 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/turninthepages
Oct 20, 2023 • 22min
Invest2Friday: Past, Present & Future of House Hacking
This podcast explores the past, present, and future of house hacking. It discusses strategies such as rent by the room and separating living spaces for renting. The potential risks of investing in luxury Airbnb properties and the importance of diversifying investments in real estate are also addressed. Additionally, it explores the advantages of owning property in expensive cities and suggests strategies to adapt to market fluctuations. The potential of rent by the room and co-living as a solution to the affordability crisis in big cities is also discussed.
