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
May 10, 2024 • 9min
Invest2Friday: Good Update for Short Term Rentals
Taxes for short term rentals are NOT going up 400%! Phew. In this episode of Invest2Friday Chad runs through recent announcements in the Colorado Legislation and what it means for STR owners. Stay tuned until the end for on an the ground market update and what the summer market holds.
May 8, 2024 • 52min
Episode 187 - Making it Happen: Owen James Lutz’s Keys to Entrepreneurial Success
In this episode, we’re talking about how one entrepreneur's dedication to making 1500 cold calls every morning led to rapid growth in his real estate journey. Owen James Lutz shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey that jumpstarted his path to his $10M goal. From starting his own cleaning company to becoming a digital marketing coach, Owen shares how he finally took the leap and made the decision that would forever change his financial trajectory. The episode kicks off with a compelling discussion of his early entrepreneurial days and knowing when to pivot. After making expensive mistakes in his first partnership, Owen shares his practical advice for anyone entering a partnership and navigating the balance of responsibilities and profit-sharing. We also discuss how Owen transitioned from his business ventures to investing in residential flipping and the strategies behind successful property deals. Tune in to hear Owen’s unique perspectives on timing, consistency, and decision-making in the real estate market. Throughout the episode, it’s clear how Owen’s dedication to making things happen is an inspiring wake-up call for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. Owen’s story proves that anyone can make their financial dreams a reality through sheer willpower and commitment. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[7:45] Starting His First Cleaning Company [14:30] Knowing When to Pivot and Take the Next Step [15:30] Don’t Make These Mistakes When Starting a Partnership [20:25] On Residential Flipping [28:30] Owen’s First Deal [35:40] How to Know When to Start Investing on Your Own [37:05] Focusing on the One Thing That Matters [40:00] Predictions on the Market [40:50] On Hiring Virtual Assistance [44:00] Words of Wisdom to Live By 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 Chad Rocke 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadrockerealtorinvestor/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/da_rock_22/ 🏘️ Work with Chad: https://www.thefiteam.com/team/chad-rocke/ GUEST 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/owenjameslutz/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenlutz/
May 3, 2024 • 14min
Invest2Friday: House Hacking Always Makes Sense
Anyone, in any market can house hack and make it worth their while. Let's run through the comfort continuum & creative ways to make the house hack work for those living in expensive markets, families with kids and those who want to see the most cash flow possible. Craig runs through properties currently on market, that would make killer house hacks. If you're looking for more resources on how to house hack visit thefiteam.com and download materials from the resources tab. And as always, hit Craig up on IG @thefiguy with any questions.
May 1, 2024 • 1h 7min
Episode 186 - From Youth Pastor to Laundromat King: Jordan Berry's Path to Financial Freedom
Have you ever wondered how people achieve financial freedom through the laundromat business? Today, we’re excited to have Jordan Berry, who is at the forefront of the laundromat industry, as an expert in helping investors find high cash flows and financial freedom through buying laundromats and pursuing commercial real estate investing. As an industry expert, Jordan shares his remarkable journey of starting with zero experience and knowledge and ending up with a multi-million portfolio of laundromat businesses. Jordan’s journey began after he spent 15 years as a youth pastor and wondered how to start his financial independence journey. Tune in to learn how Jordan navigated his series of expensive mistakes when buying a fixer-upper and how to avoid the same rookie mistakes. From spotting the signs of a profitable laundromat investment to understanding the industry, this episode is perfect for anyone ready to jump into a high cash-flow business today! Since his first purchase a decade ago, Jordan now leads a community of laundromat investors with actionable advice and strategic networking opportunities to expand portfolios in the commercial real estate sector. So, if you’re ready to stop wasting time and start taking action, tune in to embark on the path toward financial freedom through the exciting world of laundromat entrepreneurship. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [5:10] From a Youth Pastor to Financial Freedom [8:50] Getting Into the Laundromat Business [11:45] Rookie Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Businesses [17:55] How to Know if a Laundromat is a Good One [19:25] Fixer-Upper or Stable Business? [22:40] Jordan’s Experience With Buying a Fixer Upper [26:35] Getting Into the Laundromat Niche [31:10] A Glimpse Into His Laundromat Deal Structure [34:20] Plans for Scaling in the Laundromat Industry [36:05] Advice for Anyone Wanting to Buy a Laundromat [43:50] Finding a Community of Laundromat Owners [49:25] On Cash Flow Versus Appreciation [53:45] How You’re Wasting Your Time Right Now 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 Chad Rocke 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadrockerealtorinvestor/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/da_rock_22/ 🏘️ Work with Chad: https://www.thefiteam.com/team/chad-rocke/ GUEST Jordan Berry 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/laundromatresource/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-l-berry/ 💻 Website: https://www.laundromatresource.com/ 🎧 Youtube: https://youtube.com/laundromatresource 🎙️Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-laundromat-resource-podcast/id1511136385 🎙️Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/3B65QIITsltsJSiMZqrNkc 📱Facebook:
Apr 26, 2024 • 15min
Invest2Friday: Breaking Down the Buying Process
Listen up first time buyers & rookie realtors. If you want to know the nitty gritty of what goes down in a buyer's transaction tune into this week's episode of Invest2Friday. Chad Rocke @Rocketherealtor, runs through the deal from the first client call to the closing table. And this just isn't the tactics of what to do when, but the strategic moves of a veteran agent.
Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 185 - Helping One Million People Leave Corporate America and Build Multi-Million Dollar Businesses with Brian Luebben
Not looking forward to working until you’re 65 and missing out on the best years of your life? Our guest today has a single goal: to help a million people go from employee to 8-figure entrepreneur with the limitless power of real estate! Join us in this engaging podcast episode featuring Brian Luebben, a successful entrepreneur who went from corporate slave to 10-million-dollar business owner in less than four years! Discover Brian's journey from the beginning—overcoming the universal “first deal anxiety” and finding his way through house hacks, commercial real estate, and buying businesses. This episode offers practical advice for anyone looking to scale up their financial journey. We talk about the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors and other successful entrepreneurs and social environments that move you to get more done. Brian shares the success stories of his Action Academy community, which has proven to be a powerhouse of investors and entrepreneurs helping one another achieve their individual goals. We also glimpse Brian's four-step Freedom Framework designed to empower individuals on the path to financial independence and scalable business ventures. Gain inspiration from Brian’s go-getter attitude and real-life successes in building million-dollar businesses and teaching others how to do the same. Don’t miss the opportunity to start or fast-track your journey. Remember: your future self will thank you for starting earlier than later! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[3:10] The Beginning of Brian’s Journey [6:25] Making the Jump From Corporate to Real Estate [8:30] Overcoming the First Deal Anxiety [14:30] Why Buying Commercial Real Estate Is a Gamechanger [18:25] The Importance of Finding Clarity [26:45] Why Outsourcing Property Management Is Not Always Possible [27:50] What’s Your ‘One Thing’? [39:25] How Brian Helps People Become 8-Figure Entrepreneurs [45:00] Why Mentorship Is the Best Way Forward [47:10] On Surrounding Yourself With Good People and Environments [51:20] His Four-Step Freedom Framework [55:40] Advice for EveryoneHOSTS 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 Chad Rocke 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadrockerealtorinvestor/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/da_rock_22/ 🏘️ Work with Chad: https://www.thefiteam.com/team/chad-rocke/ GUEST 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/brianluebben/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianluebben/ 💻 Website: https://brianluebben.com/ 🎧 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrianLuebben 🎙️Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-action-academy-millionaire-mentorship-for-your/id1588326291 Twitter: https://twitter.com/brianluebben Books: From Pass
Apr 19, 2024 • 12min
Invest2Friday: Hello Rent-By-The-Room in Denver
This week Governor Polis signed a bill that eliminated the occupancy limits on the number of unrelated people that can live under one roof in Colorado.This is HUGE for Colorado investors and those seeking affordable housing. Tune in to hear about the bill and what this means for the future of investing in Colorado. Join us for a FREE webinar on April 26th at Noon MST to walk through how to start investing or grow your investment portfolio in light of these changes. >>> REGISTER HERE
Apr 17, 2024 • 1h 11min
Episode 184 - Thriving in Uncomfortable Situations and Building Wealth with AJ Osborne
In this episode, AJ Osborne, CEO of Cedar Creek Capital and a prominent figure in self-storage syndication, shares his inspiring journey centered on two themes: mental resilience and making things happen. In 2018, AJ was diagnosed with Guillan Barre Syndrome, and he was faced with a choice: to either accept the life of being “that wheelchair guy” or dig deep mentally to thrive and succeed despite everything. Six years later, AJ continues to run the fastest-growing self-storage syndication, with a portfolio of over $350M+ in assets. When he found himself in the hospital without a job, AJ’s real estate investments provided the financial safety nets for his family and paved the way for him to keep building his net worth even while in a wheelchair. Through his experiences, our guest today emphasizes the importance of building cash-flowing assets and pursuing a business that will keep growing your net worth even when you’re physically unable to work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with insecurities or self-doubt; AJ’s profound outlook on confidence, passion, drive, and resilience is refreshingly unique and inspiring. Throughout our conversation, he emphasizes his framework for dealing with problems and learning to thrive in difficult situations. He also shares the secrets to his success in staying productive and accountable. When it comes to making things happen in your life, AJ shares foolproof advice that might help you finally achieve your dreams! We discuss the importance of collaboration and leveraging time, resources, and, most importantly, connections. In a world that praises the bootstrapped entrepreneur, AJ reminds us that man can never be an island, and success is only gained by leveraging the people and opportunities around us. So tune in for an episode on re-evaluating how you navigate the real estate world and establishing mindset shifts for creating genuine wealth! PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[5:10] How Real Estate Investing Saved His Life [9:30] Why Real Estate Makes You More Financially Secure Than Any W2 Job [15:15] The Secret to Success: Digging Deep Mentally [21:40] His Framework for Dealing with Negative Thoughts and Productivity [25:30] Why You Should Practice Being Uncomfortable [28:15] The Power of Asymmetrical Bets [38:00] The Incredible Earning Power of House Hacking [44:30] How Real Estate Allowed Aj and His Wife to Build Schools and Create Positive Impact [51:45] Why Working Alone Never Works [55:40] Aj’s Roadmap for the Next 5-7 Years [1:00:20] Best Advice From Aj’s Years of Experience 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 Chad Rocke 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadrockerealtorinvestor/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/da_rock_22/ 🏘️ Work with Chad: https://www.thefiteam.com/team/chad-rocke/ GUEST Aj Osborne 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/ajosborne/ 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-osborne/ 💻 Website: https://www.ajosborne.com/
Apr 12, 2024 • 14min
Invest2Friday: Real Estate Partnerships
Chad leads this episode off humbly saying he's no expert at partnerships, but he, like many real estate agents who invest, learn the ropes of partnerships to maximize their investments. Partnerships are a great way to get started in real estate when you don't qualify for a conventional loan - think a 1099 employee like an agent with less than 2 years of tax returns or a college student who wants to jump into a deal before their debt-to-income would allow them. Tune in to hear the step by step process & reach out to @rocketherealtor for help starting your first partnerships.
Apr 10, 2024 • 1h 13min
Episode 183 - Raising Millions of Capital for Real Estate Deals With Paul Sparks
Curious to hear what your career could look like five to seven years down the line? In our latest episode, Paul Sparks shares his eye-opening real estate journey. From leaving his W2 sales job to starting a wholesaling business to raising capital for ten-million-dollar deals, Paul began his real estate career in 2017 and has seen incredible success. Join us as he shares the story of his first real estate deal and the early challenges and triumphs that shaped his career.Throughout the episode, Paul shares the wisdom he gained through experience, such as debunking the idea that cash flow is king. Instead, he emphasizes considering appreciation and tax benefits when evaluating investment opportunities. Moreover, Paul reflects on his life-changing decision to leave his W2 sales job, the power of overcoming mental barriers, and the importance of embracing entrepreneurship to achieve financial independence. If you’re interested in deal structuring and fundraising, tune in as we talk about practical strategies for raising private money and navigating partnerships in the real estate industry. From his soft offense approach for beginners to his step-by-step guide to securing investment capital, our guest today offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of deal-making and collaboration. So, if you’re ready to discover your real estate success, this episode can help answer some of your burning questions and shed some light on your next steps. Paul’s journey is another story of how charting your path to success will pay off with determination, optimism, and adaptability. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [5:40] Beginning of Paul’s Real Estate Career [8:50] Unpacking His First Real Deal [12:45] What Are Capital Gains? [14:10] Why Cashflow Isn’t Everything [20:10] On Leaving His W2 Sales Job [25:30] How Overcoming Your Mental Barriers Will Change Everything [32:41] Paul’s Soft Offense Approach for Beginners [34:53] Why Pivoting One’s Career Should Be Okay [40:18] On Shutting Down His Wholesale Business [43:00] A Step-By-Step Approach to Raising Private Money [47:00] What Goes First: The Deal or the Money? [1:00:08] A Glimpse Inside Paul’s Exciting New Business Partnership [1:02:23] What’s in Store for Paul’s Mastermind? [1:05:28] Best Advice for Newbies in Real Estate 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 Chad Rocke 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadrockerealtorinvestor/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/da_rock_22/ 🏘️ Work with Chad: https://www.thefiteam.com/team/chad-rocke/ GUEST Paul Sparks 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulsparksofficial/ 💻 Website: https://www.bunnyhillproperties.com/ 🎧 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_5xYIs7_cSgAaGkjH8ugyA 📞 Call with Paul: https://calendly.com/paulsparks 🌳 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/paulsparks
