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
Oct 30, 2024 • 53min
Episode 212 - Bouncing Back in Real Estate: Michael Albaum's Inspiring Journey from Setback to Success
Ever wonder what happens when real estate investing does not go according to plan? In today's episode, we have Michael Albaum, a successful real estate investor and educator with a proven track record of success. After achieving financial independence early through smart investments, Michael experienced some bumpy roads and severe economic loss. Michael had to rebuild his empire from the ground up and return even stronger and more successful. Michael will share strategies that led him to become one of the top figures in the real estate sector and what mindset helped him bounce back from hitting rock bottom. He will reveal several fundamental investment principles applied to build lasting wealth and transform setbacks. You are going to love Michael's inspiring story. You can learn so much from his incredible journey. But most of all, find out from him how your challenges can become opportunities for growth and success. Listen to the full episode and get inspired! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[00:15] Michael’s background and early journey into real estate investing, including his first major deals. [01:00] Discuss the first couple of deals Michael made and the challenges he faced initially. [03:40] How Michael achieved financial independence, lost it, and the steps he took to regain stability. [07:20] Real estate investing challenges and how entrepreneurship shaped Michael’s approach to long-term success. [12:45] Michael’s commitment to self-education in real estate and how it helped him overcome early setbacks. [16:30] Insights into Michael’s first deal, including that investment's strategy, process, and outcome. [21:45] Tenant management problems Michael encountered and the key lessons learned from those early experiences. [26:10] Importance of selecting the right tenants and how poor choices can impact real estate investments. [32:30] Real estate appreciation, market trends, and how property value growth contributed to Michael’s portfolio. [38:00] How Michael went from one property to owning multiple real estate investments. [43:15] How financial independence allowed Michael to travel the world and experience life abroad. [48:40] The one project that caused Michael to lose financial independence and its long-term effects. [53:10] The emotional and psychological impact of losing financial independence and how Michael coped. 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 Michael Albaum 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfimike/ 🐦Twitter:https://x.com/MichaelAlbaum?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 🌐Website: https://www.myfiacademy.com/
Oct 23, 2024 • 39min
Episode 211 - Scaling Wealth through ADU Projects and Airbnb, Secrets to Passive Income with Eric Yu
Are you ready to quit your 9-to-5 job and achieve financial freedom? In our latest episode, we're again catching up with Eric Yu. He's a former software engineer who completely changed his game by jumping into the world of real estate. Based in Seattle, Eric began his journey with house hacking and soon found success in flipping homes and managing Airbnb properties. Now, Eric focuses on developing detached ADUs and using creative financing methods to scale his real estate portfolio. With a passion for strategic partnerships and intelligent investing, Eric has built a lifestyle of financial freedom and flexibility. He continues to grow his business while sharing his insights with others looking to break into real estate. Eric reveals his strategies for managing ADU builds with zero upfront costs and how minor upgrades, like hot tubs, turned his Airbnb rentals into top performers. This episode thoroughly explores partnership structures, financing hacks, and how Eric balances building wealth with personal milestones like marriage. Are you just starting to dip into real estate, or are you ready to expand your portfolio? Listen to Eric's story. His advice is super motivating. Get prepared to be inspired to take your next step! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[00:57] Eric Yu explains his transition from real estate agent to ADU development. [06:08] Discover what pushed Eric to quit his software job and pursue real estate full-time. [10:46] Eric breaks down how he uses partnerships to scale with limited capital. [16:00] Learn how adding a hot tub skyrocketed Eric's Airbnb bookings in 2024. [20:14] Find out how Eric finances ADU projects with zero money out of pocket. [24:32] Eric shares how building ADUs generated $450,000 in equity on one project. [32:02] Why Eric put real estate agency work on hold to grow his ADU business. [35:40] Eric talks about scaling smartly to avoid burnout while managing growth. [38:10] Eric's advice for new investors- Overcome fear and just get started. 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 Eric Yu 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helloericyu/
Oct 16, 2024 • 29min
Episode 210 - Mastering Subject-To Deals: Risks, Rewards, and Real-Life Scenarios
Want to unlock the secrets of subject-to-deals and get a competitive edge? This episode is a great opportunity to listen as we welcome back experienced real estate investor Chad Rocke, known for his innovative financing skills. Chad has handled many subject-to-deal transactions with his great track record, and today he's here to give you firsthand insight, tips, and cautionary advice. He'll share a live deal currently in progress, taking you through it all, including what works and what does not and what to avoid. If you are tired of the basic rundown on subject-to-deals and looking for real insights from an experienced pro then this episode is for you! You're going to learn how to minimize risk and digest complex scenarios. Oh, and how to take advantage of creative financing. Listen till the very end for typical pitfalls and how to avoid them and some unexpected benefits that you might not have known about. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [03:10] Meet Chad and his background and expertise in subject-to-deals. [05:15] Why subject-to-deals are not as risk-free as people say. [08:10] Convincing the seller to go for a subject-to-arrangement. [11:00] Major benefits for buyers, including low interest rates and quick closing. [14:20] How to structure your insurance policy to avoid red flags from lenders. [16:40] Understanding the five-year balloon payment and how it impacts the deal. [19:00] What happens if the note is called due? Risks and remediation strategies. [23:30] How to use subject-to-arrangement as a tool in your investment strategy. [26:00] Why do you need a strong team to navigate these complex 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 Chad Rocke 👫Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadrockerealtorinvestor/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/da_rock_22/ 💼Work with Chad: https://www.thefiteam.com/team/chad-rocke/
Oct 9, 2024 • 1h 1min
Episode 209 - Mastering Co-Living & Rent-By-The-Room: Strategies for 97% Occupancy with Grant Shipman
Want to make more money from rentals with some intelligent co-living setups? In this episode, we talk with Grant Shipman. He's not just any real estate investor; he's the guy behind Living Smith, a property management company focusing on co-living spaces. Plus, Grant has over 20 years of experience living and learning in these kinds of communities. Grant’s story is inspiring. He went from delivering pizzas to becoming financially independent, all through co-living. His unique way of managing properties and choosing tenants has helped him maintain a 97% occupancy rate, even when the market was tough. We discuss everything from finding the right property, screening tenants, setting up leases, and managing multiple properties in different states. Grant’s advice is perfect for new and experienced investors who want to increase their rental income while creating positive, shared living spaces. Whether thinking about house hacking or growing your rental business, you’ll find his tips and strategies helpful! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[01:05] Grant’s background and his initial struggles as a beginner in real estate, including starting with minimal resources [03:00] From pizza delivery to property owner [06:50] Grant’s unique tenant screening process and lease structure ensure high occupancy and low conflict. [11:40] A breakdown of Grant’s household support system. [18:30] Key property features to look for when investing in co-living properties. [27:10] Lessons from the 226 million-dollar failures in the co-living industry. [37:00] Grant’s approach to managing evictions and keeping the household harmonious. [43:50] Grant advises maintaining occupancy, screening tenants, and structuring leases for rent-by-the-room investments. [49:00] How Grant’s experience with his father’s illness shaped his perspective on financial independence. [55:20] Grant’s essential advice for aspiring investors and how to get started with co-living. 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 Grant Shipman 💻 Website: https://livingsmithpro.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingsmithpro/
Oct 2, 2024 • 57min
Episode 208 - From Hard Work to Real Estate Wins: Brooke Coughlin's Path to Real Estate Success
Ever wondered about turning a humble cleaning business into a seven-figure success? In this episode, host Craig Curelop sits down with Brooke Coughlin. She is a former college athlete turned cleaning business owner, real estate agent, and now real estate investor. Brooke has sold over $33 million in real estate, owns multiple investment properties, and leads the "She Closes Deals" community. Brooke began cleaning houses in college and scaled it into a thriving business, which she eventually sold for seven figures. She shares how she transitioned from cleaning homes to managing Airbnb properties and growing her brand—and she's doing all this while nine months pregnant! She reveals critical lessons learned, tips on building a business from scratch, and why her passion for helping others fuels her continued success. This episode is for you if you want to break into real estate or grow as an entrepreneur. It is packed with golden advice you can't miss. Tune in to learn how to build multiple income streams. Learn to embrace change and achieve financial independence. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [00:49] What inspired Brooke's transition from cleaning to real estate?[05:05] Brooke shares her journey from cleaner to real estate agent. [08:01] Overcoming challenges in business management and hiring for growth[13:40] How did Brooke's cleaning business open real estate opportunities? [16:07] Teaching background helped Brooke double her real estate sales. [27:16] The significance of building systems for business scalability. [31:16] Why are teams essential for managing a growing real estate business[34:00] Brooke describes her success with reselling foreclosed properties. [38:53] Brooke's first real estate investment and its long-term appreciation.[42:18] Proximity strategy helps Brooke manage and plan future portfolio sales. 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 Brooke Coughlin 📸 IG: @brookeecoughlin 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-coughlin-9b09561b4/ 📘 Book: She Closes Deals
Sep 25, 2024 • 20min
Episode 207 - Turning High-Interest Rates into Real Estate Profits in 2024: Craig Curelop’s Proven Strategies for Success
Do you still feel it's worth investing in real estate, even with high interest rates today? In this solo episode of Invest2Fi, Craig Curelop shares how he turned market fear into profitable real estate deals in 2024. With most investors putting off their deals, Craig took action, acquiring three properties that already generate significant cash flow. He will walk you through the details of each investment, which include a rent-by-the-room strategy in Denver, a high-up potential appreciation opportunity in Coeur d'Alene, and his most recent 7-bedroom rental property in Aurora. You'll learn how Craig garnered over $1,500 in monthly cash flow from one deal and $2,400 from another in an economy where everyone keeps sleeping on the sidelines, waiting for that rosy market. Finally, Craig reveals creative financing options a nd appeals to the importance of contacting investor-friendly agents while sounding warnings on the dangers of delaying action in expectation of the best times. If you need help tackling today's volatile market, tune in to learn how to secure and profit from real estate deals, even in the face of fearful competition. Perfect for both novice and veteran investors, this episode will empower you to build wealth now. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [01:02] First property, $600,000, was purchased in Denver, using the rent-by-the-room model. [02:01] Details on the $588,000 net price and breakdown of rooms and rentals. [03:35] Total monthly income from the property: $5,300-$5,400; mortgage and cash flow explained. [04:45] Expenses, utilities, repairs, and why Craig estimates $1,500 net monthly cash flow. [06:00] $200,000 invested, with $18,000 yearly cash flow. [06:50] Craig discusses property appreciation and total return on investment of 34%. [08:00] Cortez Lane Airbnb-turned-rental, Craig buys it back. [10:20] Monthly losses on the second property, Craig's strategy for future appreciation. [12:05] Aurora home, purchased for $600,000, seven bedrooms after a renovation. [13:50] $6,400 expected monthly rent, with a $4,000 mortgage, yielding a $2,400 monthly profit. [15:30] Expenses and projected 15% cash-on-cash return for the third property. [17:00] Encouragement to invest despite high interest rates and Craig’s invitation to connect with him for future opportunities. 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
Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 4min
Episode 206 - How Casey Franchini Built a Real Estate Empire: From Stay-at-Home Mom to 9 Rental Properties
Ready to master your finances? Listen to Invest2FI's latest episode, where we catch up with Casey Franchini, a real estate investor who started with no experience and turned one simple real estate strategy into a fantastic portfolio of nine rental properties. Casey shares her incredible journey from a stay-at-home mom to a real estate success story. With no prior investing knowledge, she built a portfolio that changed her family's future. Despite a modest income, she and her husband bought a property yearly. They balanced investing, parenting, and facing life's challenges. Casey explains how they switched from pricey Southern California to budget-friendly Memphis, sharing her straightforward strategy for steady money-making and building wealth. You’ll learn about her journey, from selling crafts on Etsy to buying her first rental property. Casey proves that boring and consistent investments can lead to incredible wealth over time. Listen to this episode if you dream of financial freedom with real estate. It's full of advice on starting small, investing wisely, and expanding investments over time. Casey’s methodical, low-risk approach proves that you don’t need to take significant risks to build a massive portfolio. Don’t miss Casey’s strategies for building wealth and the lessons she learned! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[00:03] Introduction to Casey Franchini and her return to the podcast [01:50] Moving from California to Memphis and starting from scratch [08:12] Casey’s first property and how she made it happen [16:45] Real estate investing for financial independence [27:40] Growing a portfolio to 9 properties over eight years [31:20] Managing properties and handling tenants [44:30] Final thoughts and Casey’s advice to new investors 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 Casey Franchini 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/brickbybrickwealth/ 💻 Website: https://brickbybrickwealth.com/ 💻YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrickbyBrickWealth
Sep 11, 2024 • 49min
Episode 205 - From $450K to $1M: Dave Meyer’s Blueprint for Real Estate Success
How do you turn a $450K quadplex into a $1M asset? Discover the power of strategic partnerships, data-driven market analysis, and intelligent asset allocation with Dave Meyer, host of The BiggerPockets podcast. In this episode of Investing, host Craig Curlop, aka The Fi Guy, sits down with Dave Meyer, the Data Deli himself and the newest host of The Bigger Pockets podcast. Dave shares his journey from waiting tables to becoming a successful real estate investor and influencer. Learn how he secured his first real estate deal with zero money down, partnered with three others on a quadplex in Denver, and turned that investment into a million-dollar property. Dave also dives into the data-driven strategies he uses to pick markets and allocate assets. He provides invaluable advice for investors, both new and experienced. What's in it for you? Actionable insights on how to build your portfolio, maximize returns, and navigate the ever-evolving real estate landscape. This episode has practical tips and inspiring stories to motivate you to take your next step in real estate investing. Don't miss out! Key Takeaways: [00:06] Introduction to David Meyer- From Denver Quadplex to Bigger Pockets host [01:00] David's first real estate deal [05:10] The importance of asset allocation: Balancing appreciation and cash flow in real estate. [10:20] How David managed different expectations among partners. [14:30] How David turned $457K into $1.05M. [18:40] New tools and resources for real estate investors. [28:00] David’s top metrics for choosing the best real estate markets. [34:00] Advice for new investors – Why starting in your backyard might be your best bet. [39:20] Long-term investment strategy – Why real estate is a long game. Host Craig Curlop📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy 📘Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy 🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze Guest Dave Meyer 📸 Instagram: @TheDataDeli 📚 Book Mentioned: "Scaling Smart" by Kathy and Rich Facki - BiggerPockets Bookstore
Sep 4, 2024 • 1h 6min
Episode 204 - Building a $150M Real Estate Empire: Lessons on Thinking Bigger and Investing Smarter with Clint Harris
Ever wondered what it takes to build a real estate portfolio worth $150million? In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Clint Harris share his journey from spending 15 years in medical sales to even more success in real estate. He walks us through his evolution from house hacking to investing in single-family homes and ultimately transitioning into multi-family properties, self-storage, and commercial real estate, which he believes are the true path to exponential growth in real estate. Join us as Clint shares an easy-to-follow blueprint to his success - starting from his first house hack at 25 and the avoidable mistakes he made along the way. Our discussion focuses on leveraging each investment to fuel the next, emphasizing his approach to being a future-oriented investor. We discussed the power of thinking more prominent and how it could have propelled his success earlier. As the conversation progresses, Clint dives into building his own property management company and entering the self-storage business. He offers insights into why this sector is so thriving and how it fits into his overall strategy of becoming genuinely free regarding financial freedom, location, and time freedom. The client also stresses the importance of mindset shifts, discussing how altering his perspective on investment opportunities and risk-taking has been crucial to his success. Clint’s story is a testament to the power of thinking significantly and embracing change to unlock new opportunities in real estate. With the glaring reality that our generation can no longer save our way into retirement, take this episode as a sign to take action and follow Clint’s blueprint for real estate and entrepreneurial success! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [4:00] Clint’s Real Estate Start [6:15] Why Real Estate? [8:00] Clint’s Very First Real Estate Deal [11:15] Biggest Mistakes Made by Beginner Investors [15:10] Why You Should Think Bigger [18:45] Handling Problems With Tenants [23:15] Being Paid to Live at the Beach [29:15] Building His Own Property Management Company [35:30] Learning From Clint’s Current Portfolio [37:15] Entering the Storage Business [48:35] Mindset Shifts for Success [55:55] Follow Clint’s Journey for Foolproof Success 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 Clint Harris of Nomad Capital US and Truly Passive Podcast 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/nomadcapital.us/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nomad-capital/ 💻 Website: https://nomadcapital.us/ 🎙️Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/truly-passive-income/id1693667029
Aug 28, 2024 • 36min
Episode 203 - The Power of Taking Action Today with the FI Team
In this special episode, we’re joining the FI Team straight from their Colorado retreat! Hear from everyone’s unique experiences in real estate, from Craig’s rocky start in 2017 to Kerrie’s short-term rental that cost $40,000 and has since doubled in value! We also hear from first-time investors on the team who have recently leaped their first property or house hack - an excellent blueprint for anyone just starting their journey! Dive into Craig’s story, which started with a modest goal of owning 6-7 properties and has now grown into an impressive collection of 26 properties, including single-family homes, duplexes, and syndicated units. We also discuss the more challenging aspects of real estate investing, such as Craig’s tenant horror story, failures with previous partners, and mistakes when not checking out the property before investing. Despite these setbacks, Craig offers listeners a forecast of what’s to come as he expands his investments and net worth. This episode covers valuable tips and strategies for both long-time portfolio holders and aspiring investors. Don’t miss out on this as Craig and the FI team wrap up the episode by reflecting on favorite moments in house hacking and leaving listeners with realistic advice for anyone looking to succeed in the real estate market. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[0:45] Craig’s Rocky Beginning in 2017 [4:00] Investing in Milwaukee in 2015 [6:00] Kerrie From the FI Team [8:30] Why Anne Is Investing For the First Time - Despite High Rates [10:25] On Marsanne's Very First House Hack [13:20] Investing Early at 21 Years Old [17:20] Craig’s Horror Stories in Real Estate [20:55] Forecasting Craig’s Portfolio [22:20] Experiences With Partnerships [24:15] How to Start in Real Estate When You Know No One in the Industry [25:45] Must-Dos Before Partnering With a Close Friend/Relative [27:00] Beginner Investor Mistakes to Avoid [29:50] Should You Clear Debt Before Investing? [31:20] His Favorite Moment in House Hacking [33:20] Best Piece of Advice for Investors 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
