INVEST2FI

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

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
Rich 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/ 

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/ 

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    

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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 

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    

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