INVEST2FI

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

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 

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  

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   

In this episode, we’re excited to sit down with Dan McDonald, a long-time friend and house-hacking coach with $ 1.2 million in his portfolio. Join us as Dan shares how he started his investment journey at the peak of COVID, reflecting on the pivotal moment he knew real estate was the right path for him. Dan's story is relatable and realistic, from his initial start in rental arbitrage to his first house hack. It is packed with practical advice for those looking to enter the real estate game and begin building their family legacy! 

Tune in as Dan offers a detailed account of his experience with house hacking in a relatively large and expensive market. He shares how he leveraged a HELOC on his first property to purchase a second one, providing valuable insights into using existing assets to fund new investments. 

This episode is perfect for aspiring investors as Dan offers essential advice on avoiding mistakes and strategies to take advantage of. His portfolio numbers also give a concrete look at his success, inspiring those hesitant to start building their investment portfolio. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your portfolio, Dan’s experiences are a roadmap to creating a lasting family legacy through real estate investing. 

 
PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[3:55] How Did Dan Start Investing?
[8:00] When Did You Know Real Estate Was for You?
[12:00] Understanding Rental Arbitrage in Action
[13:30] Diving Into Dan’s First House Hack
[18:20] Buying a House at the Start of COVID
[21:15] Mistakes to Avoid for First-Time Investors
[28:06] On Screening Tenants
[36:30] The Power of Appreciation
[41:57] Dan’s Experience Getting A HELOC
[44:35] Investing in a Second House Hack
[50:12] Dan’s Portfolio Numbers
[52:50] Best Words of Wisdom for an Investor

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
Dan McDonald
📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/househackandhustle/ 
📘 Free Roadmap to House Hacking: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64aea758e181ddda00ff253a 
🏘️ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/househackandhustle  

Have you ever wondered what buying your first business at 16 is like? In this episode of the Invest2Fi podcast, I have Sam Wegert, The CoLiving Guy and Founder and CEO of UpLevel Martial Arts. Sam is a coach, investor, and entrepreneur who shares his story of buying his first business, a martial arts school, at just 16 years old. He talks about growing and scaling that business to a seven-figure exit and the transformation he underwent after exiting a business that had been his whole life. Now, he has transitioned his identity into a real estate co-living investor. 

Throughout his career, Sam taught martial arts for a decade and began investing in real estate through short-term rentals and co-living properties. Now, he owns eight short-term rentals and 115 co-living beds. 

Curious about how he did it? Don’t miss this exciting episode on co-living real estate investing! Tune in to hear Sam Wegert's incredible journey from martial arts to real estate and learn valuable insights on how to succeed in the co-living and short-term rental markets.
 
PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[00:00] Introducing the Guest
[03:18] Starting from the beginning of Sam's story
[06:44] Martial arts training and teaching experience
[10:37] How was running a school at 16 years old
[19:27] How did he manage the finances of the school
[25:34] How would you find people to put in charge of business
[30:00] Importance of cash flow in real estate investing
[33:48] Sam’s first deal
[43:31] Cash cow: Real estate or martial arts studio
[49:01] Starting the co-living venture and recognizing its potential
[54:02] Challenges in tenant onboarding and room-filling
[59:07] Diversification and managing risks in coliving investments
[01:06:14] The Final Four Game!

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
Sam Wegert
📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/samwegert/
💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wegert-a547ab54/
💻 Website: https://samwegert.com/
🎧 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@scaleyourrealestate
🎤Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/scale-your-real-estate-show/id1702820329 

In this episode of the Invest2FI podcast, we’re thrilled to sit down with Ben Kinney, an entrepreneur, professional speaker, author, real estate agent, brokerage owner, and co-founder of PLACE, Inc. PLACE is an all-in-one real estate services and technology platform for top teams, employs over 2000 people, and operates in over 70 locations across North America. Ben shares his story from a difficult childhood to becoming the number one agent in the country. 

Our guest’s success in real estate began with his decision to switch majors in college. Just a semester away from graduating, he was sidetracked when he realized he wasn’t cut out to work in IT. It didn’t fit his personality strengths. Ben cut his teeth in sales by selling cable. His drive led him to a six-figure career in sales by selling cable TV! This success snowballed, leading him to where he is now at the top of the real estate industry. 

Don’t miss Ben’s insights on real estate strategies, investing, and properties including his ah-ha moment when he learned about “living for free”. His first real estate deal was not unsimilar from many of yours, he house hacked a duplex paying just $10 a month after collecting rent. He discusses various techniques for real estate investing, including holding onto properties for the long term and partnering on deals to build wealth. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of being financial savvy and the power of compounded wealth over time. 

Tune in now to hear Ben’s insights into real estate investing! Don’t forget to subscribe to the Invest2FI podcast for more expert advice and inspiring stories from the world of real estate. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[4:37] Motivation behind entrepreneurial success
[11:40] Cable job and early career decisions
[17:58] Ben’s first real estate deal
[23:56] Thoughts on partnering in real estate for shared income
[28:28] Ben’s Transition from starting to reaching the top spot
[34:56] Overcoming challenges and staying motivated
[36:40] How Ben’s Idea in Real Estate Worked
[42:16] Planned Strategy vs Figuring It Out
[45:35] Real Estate Tax Strategies
[48:06] The Final 4 Game!

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   

GUEST
Ben Kinney
📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrbenkinney
💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkinney/
💻 Website: https://www.benkinney.com/
🎧 Youtube: youtube.com/@caseygregersen  

This episode of the Invest2FI podcast dives deep into the world of partnership deals with real estate expert Julie Leckey. As a vital member of the FI team, Julie recently celebrated a significant deal win, leveraging her family's support and a fresh strategy. We'll follow her real estate journey from the beginning, uncovering how she shifted from a hesitant investor to a savvy deal-maker.  

From reinvestment strategies and the optimal timing for property acquisitions to the intricacies of partnership agreements, Julie shares invaluable insights. She also weighs in on the property management dilemma: hire or DIY?  

Unleash your investment potential with Julie's proven strategies. Tune in now! 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[4:02] Julie’s Journey in Real Estate 
[6:50] What Made Her Interested to Start Real Estate
[14:05] When Did Julie Get Out From Her Backwards Mindset in Real Estate?
[19:45] Reinvesting and Refocusing Their Investment Money
[28:35] Now Is Always The Best Time to Buy
[34:55] A Partnership Deal Breakdown 
[42:23] Should You Hire A Property Management Company or DIY? 
[48:07] Treat Your Investors and Tenants Well

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   
📒 See show notes: https://invest2fi.com/