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
Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 5min
Episode 222 - Insider Tactics for Successful Real Estate Investments with Christian Osgood
Do you ever wonder how some real estate professionals consistently transform typical deals into exceptionally profitable ventures? What if you could uncover the hidden tactics that elevate them to industry leaders? This episode featuring Christian Osgood—a visionary and strategic genius in the field—does exactly that. Christian goes beyond mere participation; he revolutionizes the industry by implementing strategies that are notably effective and innovative. Join us as we dig into the essence of real estate excellence and explore the strategies that have driven Christian Osgood to impressive heights. With his commitment, keen negotiation skills, and ability to craft mutually beneficial agreements, Christian has perfected the art of negotiation. This episode is much more than a podcast—it serves as a detailed tutorial on how to make each conversation impactful, utilize psychological insights in negotiations, and employ tactical pauses to achieve unmatched success. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:00] Christian's real estate journey begins with purchasing a duplex in 2019 [10:25] Grows to over 300 multi-family units within five years through creative financing and seller financing. [25:15] Buys a second duplex for $212,000 in a market where similar properties are valued at $350,000. [31:00] Transitioning to medium multi-family properties, focusing on 20 to 80 unit buildings. [33:15] Networking importance, dissecting meetings for successful deals in the multi-family space [35:50] Recounts a story of networking that led to a deal on a 60-unit property. [40:55] Talks about his first major setback in a deal and how it taught resilience. [45:20] Sets a personal milestone of mentoring 10,000 new investors, emphasizing the value of guidance. [49:50] Strategic approach to selecting properties with a focus on cash flow. [52:05] Emphasizes the tactical aspect of communication, citing a significant meeting with a property owner. [54:15] Reveals using succinct, impactful dialogue as part of negotiation strategies. [56:30] Mentions deriving communication techniques from influential literature on business and psychology. [58:45] Advocates for consistent small actions leading to big results in real estate investing. [01:00:50] Stresses the importance of daily efforts in building a successful real estate career. [01:03:15] Talks about leveraging social intelligence and concise communication to secure better deals. 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 Christian Osgood 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianosgood/?hl=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkoxbEU_hoEpH8T-QUHR4nw 🌐Website: https://multifamilystrategy.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa9ihBBBuRP56KZInFN8s5q4qYoiUaJyOiQ-5VwOy-5fDy43xztwrAUIgY_aem_oJmRboc-BOBy9Wl7UPZaXA
Jan 1, 2025 • 19min
Episode 221 - Cultivating Success: Craig’s Eight Gardens of Life for 2025
Kick off the new year with purpose and clarity in this solo episode of Inves2Fi, where host Craig dives into his *Eight Gardens of Life framework for setting and achieving your goals. From health and nutrition to financial investments, Craig shares actionable insights for nurturing every aspect of your life this new year.Discover the power of tracking macros, improving your posture, and building meaningful relationships. Craig also explores how spiritual contribution, lifestyle adventures, and intellectual growth can bring balance and fulfillment.Looking to boost your finances, strengthen your relationships, or grow personally? This episode is packed with practical tips to help you thrive and make 2024 your best year yet! Take the first step toward a better you—one garden at a time. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[0:39] New Year’s Resolutions and Goal-Setting [0:48] Craig’s Eight Gardens of Life [1:52] Health and Nutrition Goals [3:00] Tracking Macros for a Healthier You [3:27] Fixing Your Posture for Better Well-Being[4:28] Finding Purpose Through Spiritual Contribution [6:17] Embracing Lifestyle and Adventure [7:14] Personal and Intellectual Growth [10:09] Strengthening Relationships [11:36] Financial Investments and Material Goals 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
Dec 25, 2024 • 54min
Episode 220 - From Movie Sets to Real Estate Success: Audrey Easton’s $10K/Month Blueprint
Are you dreaming of a life where your investments work for you? Meet Audrey Easton. She is a film production assistant turned real estate entrepreneur who turned her first $40,000 savings into a thriving $10K monthly income with just five properties. On this episode, host Craig Curelop uncovers Audrey’s incredible journey from movie production to mastering short-term rentals, house hacking, and rental arbitrage. Discover how Audrey leveraged her creative problem-solving skills, partnerships, and a sharp eye for opportunity to build a profitable portfolio. From transforming a 1950s fixer-upper into a house-hacking success to managing 14 Airbnb rooms as a superhost, Audrey shares the real strategies and lessons that helped her grow quickly. She’s proof that you don’t need a large number of properties—just the right systems and determination to make it work. Audrey's story proves that you don’t need a massive portfolio to hit your income goals. Tune in to discover how small, strategic moves can add up to big financial wins. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[02:00] Audrey’s start in real estate during the pandemic and her pivot from bartending. [06:30] How reading Rich Dad Poor Dad changed Audrey’s mindset. [10:40] Challenges of buying her first property as a non-traditional borrower. [15:20] How her mom became an essential part of her real estate journey. [20:30] House hacking: Living and Airbnb-ing by the room in her 1950s ranch home. [27:45] Introduction to rental arbitrage and its benefits for landlords and tenants. [33:10] Managing 14 Airbnb rooms and achieving superhost status. [41:20] Hospitality touches that keep her reviews glowing and business thriving. [47:00] Balancing film production with real estate and future plans. 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 Audrey Easton 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audee25/
Dec 18, 2024 • 45min
Episode 219 - Exploring the Strategic Moves in Real Estate with Grace Gudenkauf: A Journey Towards Financial Independence
Wondering how some investors always seem to find amazing deals in real estate? Tune in to this episode of Invest2FI, where you'll meet Grace Gudenkauf. Grace's adventure is more than just about buying property — it's about adopting the winning perspective of a shrewd investor. Starting with a bold phone call about a rent sign in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, she embarked on a path to real estate mastery, growing from a novice to a CEO with a powerful presence. This episode is packed with insights on facing and conquering fears, negotiating effectively, and steadily climbing the ranks from a real estate newbie to an industry standout. Grace's story is a powerful showcase of how believing in oneself, mastering negotiation, and planning strategically can make all the difference. Get ready to explore the tricks of the trade in real estate investing with the guidance of Grace Gudenkauf on Invest2FI. Whether you're taking the first step or looking to expand your property portfolio, there's plenty of practical advice and motivation to tackle the challenges that come your way. Listen closely as Grace takes you through her personal and professional evolution in investing, perhaps changing your own tactics and setting you on the path to financial freedom. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:00] Grace Goudon Cough shares investment beginnings at 22. [09:52] Discussing contingency plans for breakup or business failure. [10:04] Emphasizing the importance of treating investments like a business. [10:19] Grace's intimidating first purchase meeting with a seasoned investor. [20:00] Exploring unique challenges and wins in property investment. [25:30] Highlighting the impact of mentorship in real estate success. [30:05] Breaking down the BRRRR strategy and its execution. [31:10] Discussing the role of networking in finding investment deals. [35:00] Overcoming fear and mindset barriers in real estate investing. [38:56] Grace humorously relates to being perceived as older by peers. [39:06] Grace encourages being the CEO of one's investment journey. [39:25] Final advice: be the CEO of your life, systemize and document for growth and efficiency. 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 GUEST Grace Gudenkauf 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grace.investing/?hl=en 📸 wire.community: https://www.instagram.com/wiire.community/?hl=en 📘Book:https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/self-managing-landlord?srsltid=AfmBOooYsxEDeBNzX5I3m1h4yfUhSyENbUZpHslAqeREPpMyJUQg0fbp
Dec 11, 2024 • 42min
Episode 218 - Breaking Barriers in Real Estate: Amelia McGee’s Story of Investment Success
What does it take to be a successful woman in real estate? Join us as Craig Curelop, our host, talks with Amelia McGee, a self-taught real estate investor and co-founder of Women Invest in Real Estate (WIRE). Amelia describes growing up in a small Iowa town and establishing a 45-door portfolio. She has experience managing both short-term leases and long-term investments. Amelia discusses how she collaborated with her parents, expanded her portfolio, and overcame the obstacles of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Her practical advice on self-managing properties and forming partnerships will encourage both veteran investors and newbies. Amelia also offers advice for women wishing to get into real estate. Tune in to hear Amelia’s journey and learn how she turned her passion into a successful business. Don’t miss out—hit play and get inspired to take the next step in your investment journey! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [02:20] Amelia shares her beginnings, growing up in a small Iowa town and starting her investment journey in 2019. [03:40] She talks about her first property, convincing her debt-averse parents to partner on a $30,000 home. [06:00] Amelia reflects on key lessons from her first flip, discussing what worked, what didn’t, and why she shifted to rentals. [09:30] She explains her mindset shift from a 9-5 job to seeing real estate as a pathway to freedom. [12:00] Amelia talks about founding Women Invest in Real Estate (WIRE) and building a community for women in the industry. [15:20] She shares challenges women face in real estate and offers strategies for overcoming them. [20:00] Amelia discusses how she structured partnerships with her parents, using a $100k line of credit to scale. [24:00] She shares insights into managing 45 doors, including cash reserves, risk management, and self-management.[29:10] Amelia explains why quality trumps quantity in scaling her portfolio and her pivot to solo investing. [33:30] She talks about her evolving confidence, setting boundaries, working with contractors, and valuing herself. [36:00] Amelia offers advice for new women investors, encouraging them to surround themselves with like-minded people and take bold steps. [39:20] Lastly, she discusses her hobbies—pickleball, golf, and how she maintains a balanced, joyful life. 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 Amelia McGee📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameliajorei/?hl=en 🌐Website: https://www.womeninvestinrealestate.com/ 📘Book: The Self-Managing Landlord: https://get.biggerpockets.com/graceandamelia/
Dec 4, 2024 • 54min
Episode 217 - Mastering Real Estate with Cory Jacobson From House Hacking to 70 Units
What if that first house hack could lead to a 70-unit real estate empire? In this episode, our host Craig Curelop interviews Cory Jacobson from The Wealth Juice Podcast. He started with a simple house hack and built this real estate portfolio that has short-term rentals, multifamily properties, and so much more. A real estate investor and mentor helping others get started and grow in real estate, Cory is passionate about teaching first-time investors how to make their first deal and how to help others reach financial freedom. His story has been full of lessons of overcoming setbacks and building the right partnerships that make the big deals happen. This episode is for those who want authentic stories and practical advice. Whether you are just starting out on your journey or want to grow your portfolio, you will leave with innovative ideas and practical recommendations. Press play to hear actionable advice, personal stories, and insights that will inspire and empower your real estate ventures. Podcast Highlights: [04:10] Cory explains how he turned a house hack into 70 rental units. [04:00] Cory talks about buying his first property in 2018 and breaking even with house hacking. [06:20] Managing unexpected issues like water damage early in his investing journey. [08:40] How his first house hack set the foundation for saving and scaling his portfolio. [11:15] Cory shares insights on his second property, inherited tenants, and challenges with repairs. [14:50] Transitioning to short-term rentals and entering the Tampa market for higher cash flow. [19:30] The mindset of delayed gratification and how it shaped Cory’s financial habits. [23:10] Starting The Wealth Juice Podcast and how it opened doors for partnerships. [26:50] Scaling through partnerships on multifamily deals, including 18 and 43-unit properties. [32:15] How mentorship and collaboration helped Cory avoid mistakes and grow faster. [37:30] Cory’s coaching program and its focus on helping first-time investors succeed. [41:10] Handling challenges like hurricanes and managing properties in multiple markets. [45:30] Cory's advice for building trust and strong relationships in real estate partnerships. [48:15] Final thoughts on confidence, keeping promises to yourself, and staying consistent. 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 GUESTS Cory Jacobson 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthjuiceofficial/# 🌐Website: https://juice-enterprises.com/
Nov 27, 2024 • 56min
Episode 216 - How Ty Lewis Built $2,000 Passive Income in Two Years Through House Hacking
What if you could change your life in two years, from a job to multiple rental properties, bringing you almost $2,000 in passive income? That's what you're going to hear in today's inspiring episode of Invest2FI. As Craig Curelop interviews Ty Lewis, a young, outstanding real estate investor with a journey that is nothing but remarkable. Ty's story starts out modestly, working at Chick-fil-A. But his ambition, ingenuity, and foresight led him into the real estate industry. Ty quickly went from having no rental properties to having several through house hacking, using meetups, and building important relationships. He remained inspired by his late father's goal of becoming financially independent. You'll learn how Ty financed his first deal with only 3% down. How he overcame unforeseen difficulties, and wisely left his 9-to-5 job to pursue entrepreneurship. Whether you're new to real estate or looking for inspiration, this episode is jam-packed with actionable advice, heartfelt motivation, and a plan for success. Tune in to hear Ty's astounding story and helpful tips that will inspire you on your own real estate journey! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:10] Ty explains how his early jobs taught him discipline, teamwork, and the importance of curiosity. [10:45] Ty shares the emotional story of his father's unfulfilled dream of real estate investing and how it became his "why." [14:30] Ty talks about finding inspiration through podcasts. [18:50] Networking at meetups and banking connections led Ty to his first house hack in 2023. [25:00] Why repeat attendance at meetups and intentional connections paved the way for his second property. [34:20] Handling unexpected challenges like a raccoon in the attic and how mentorship saved the day. [39:40] Ty's strategies for finding and closing his second property, leveraging the same lender and relationships. [46:50] Ty emphasizes the importance of multiple income streams and shares his entrepreneurial ventures. [50:00] Ty encourages listeners to build meaningful relationships, stay consistent, and take action early. 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 Ty Lewis 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylewie/ 🔗Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylewie/ 🌐 Website: https://www.tylewie.com/
Nov 20, 2024 • 53min
Episode 215 - Secrets to Real Estate Success from Power Duo Rich and Kathy Fettke
What does it take to establish a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio while remaining faithful to life's most important values? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop speaks with Rich and Kathy Fettke, the power couple behind Real Wealth Network, one of the most respected real estate investing teams. Rich, a former extreme sports athlete and author, brings endurance and mindset training to their investing journey, while Kathy, an accomplished real estate expert and podcast host, contributes financial insights and a people-first approach. They've helped numerous investors build money with sensible, sustainable real estate methods. Their story, from experiencing life-changing hardships to achieving financial freedom, is packed with concrete ideas for investors at all stages. Tune in to discover their finest tips on choosing markets, automating processes, and making real estate investing work for your lifestyle. PODCAST HIGHLIGHT: [0:04] Rich and Kathy Fettke share their backgrounds and how they ventured into real estate investing [1:10] Rich opens up about his battle with melanoma and how it shifted his focus to passive income [04:50] Kathy discusses her game-changing interview with Robert Kiyosaki and how it shaped their strategy [09:20] The couple reflects on their early real estate days and their first investment in Texas [15:45] How a strong mindset supported their transition from active to passive income [18:30] Insights into selecting the right markets, including population growth and affordability factors [25:12] Building a global real estate community of 77,000 members, from teleseminars to podcasts [29:45] Scaling their business by automating real estate operations to achieve freedom and growth [34:22] Adopting the "small and mighty investor" mentality with a focus on quality investments [40:15] Real-life success stories from the Fettkes' network of investors [48:20] Aligning investment strategies with personal goals for sustainable growth [51:30] The role of coaches and mentors in expanding their real estate ventures 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 GuestsRich Fettke and Kathy Fettke 📸 Rich Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richfettke/ 📸 Kathy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathyfettke/ 🌐Website: https://realwealth.com/ 📘 Book: https://realwealth.com/scaling-smart-book/
Nov 13, 2024 • 54min
Episode 214 - Achieving the Life You Want Through Real Estate: Erin Bradley’s Inspiring Path
Are you dreaming of financial freedom through real estate but don’t know where to begin? This episode of Invest2FI has a story that might be the spark you need. Erin Bradley, speaker and trainer, bestselling author, host and former mortgage lender, joins us to share how she changed her life and career through smart real estate investing. Starting as an accidental investor, Erin became a financially free coach, focusing on a slow and steady approach to wealth. She used a simple “buy and hold” strategy with properties in Denver and beyond, turning small investments into big financial gains. Get ready for practical advice on making real estate work for you, no matter your starting point. Erin’s insights on scaling, taking risks, and embracing bold choices show what it takes to design the life you truly want. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[3:20] Erin shares her initial journey from a mortgage lender to a real estate investor.[6:10] Buying her first property in 2008 and her early strategy for building wealth through real estate. [10:50] Discussion on the differences between real estate deals in 2008, 2010, and 2012 versus today. [14:30] How Erin transitioned from the lending industry to a full-time real estate coach. [18:25] Challenges of out-of-state investments and managing properties in diverse markets like the Smoky Mountains. [22:00] Tips on slow, methodical investing and why Erin values a “buy and hold” strategy. [26:15] Handling unexpected issues with short-term rentals and the role of intuition in real estate. [30:45] How to build a stable rental portfolio that supports financial independence. [34:20] Erin reflects on moving her family multiple times to build her real estate portfolio. [39:30] Leveraging her properties to achieve financial freedom and transition out of the mortgage industry. [42:15] Erin advises new investors looking to enter today’s challenging real estate market. [46:50] The benefits of passive income, syndications, and diversifying beyond residential real estate. [50:40] Erin’s future investing plans and evolving interests in business ownership. 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 Erin Bradley 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuingfreedomofficial/ 📚Erin’s Guide on Referrals- https://erin-bradley.mykajabi.com/5-step-opt-in Website: https://www.pursuingfreedom.com/
Nov 6, 2024 • 10min
Episode 213 - 2 Months Left: Maximize Real Estate Deals Before 2024 Ends with Craig Curelop
What's holding you back from crushing your real estate goals in 2024? Here in this solo episode, Craig Curelop, also known as "The FI Guy," will take you through an end-of-year real estate opportunity that could be your game-changer. With dropping interest rates and prices still accessible, it is a brief window of opportunity to lock great deals before the market shifts. Make it an inspiring 2024, folks. Craig gives you some actionable advice on how to reassess your 2024 goals, how to capitalize on the current state of the real estate market, and why buying during the winter can put you ahead of the pack. This is a chance to gain some personal tips and insights from over 600 successful house hacks designed to guide investors at any level. Don't let the year close without reaching those financial goals in real estate! Whether you are buying your first home or purchasing your fortieth real estate investment property, this episode has the roadmap to smart moves and closing out the year strong. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[00:43] Look back at your January goals. Where are you now? [01:59] Impact of elections and falling interest rates. [02:28] Shift from a seller’s to a buyer’s market: Opportunities explained. [03:09] How mortgage rate drops are influencing buyer behavior. [03:45] Why winter is prime time to buy: Low competition, better deals. [05:00] The strategy behind breaking a lease for a smart real estate move. [06:03] Preparation tips to make your property ready for the spring market. [08:17] Maximizing 2024’s final quarter like a champion in the fourth quarter. 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
