After over five years and more than 260 episodes, host Craig Curelop, known as The FI Guy and a leading voice in real estate investing and financial independence, announces the bittersweet farewell of the Invest2FI Podcast. In this short but heartfelt episode, Craig reflects on the podcast’s incredible journey, lessons learned from scaling and focus, and what’s next for his ventures in co-living, real estate investing, and coaching.  

Gain insight into his mindset shift, upcoming projects with The FI Team and HomeCrew.co, and how to stay connected as Craig continues to inspire investors nationwide. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: 

[00:19] Farewell announcement and reflections on five transformative years of Invest2FI.[00:29] Craig explains his decision to discontinue the podcast and lessons from Scaling.com. 
[01:18] Insights from Benjamin Hardy and learning to eliminate tasks “below the floor.” 
[02:02] Shifting focus to The FI Team’s mission to reduce the U.S. retirement age to 55. [02:20] Deep dive into co-living investments and operational scaling strategies. 
[02:52] Discussing future growth models including franchising and investor funds. 
[03:34] Why co-living aligns with solving America’s housing affordability crisis. 
[04:07] Craig assures continued real estate work and support for investors nationwide. 
[05:01] Details on property management structure and criteria for co-living homes. 
[05:52] Heartfelt goodbye, gratitude to listeners, and an invitation to stay connected. 

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   

What if real estate could rebuild lives while building lasting wealth? In this 45-minute episode of Invest2FI, host Craig Curelop welcomes back real estate investor Jim Boad for an in-depth conversation about scaling success through trust, discipline, and purpose. Jim shares how he pivoted during COVID from struggling rentals to sober-living group homes that blend community impact with strong returns.  

Operating in a small Washington market near Olympia, he explains his model of five-bedroom, three-bath homes renting for $700 per bed, often partnered with recovery clinics and DOC reentry programs that prepay several months in advance.  

Jim also discusses leveraging $100K–$200K grants, launching a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and working with private lenders at two points and ten percent interest to fund and scale 18 new builds. This episode reveals how purpose-driven investing can generate both financial freedom and meaningful community change. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: 

[03:42] Craig tees up the sober living deep dive with Jim’s backstory. 

[04:00] COVID nonpaying rentals force Jim to pivot toward group homes. 

[5:24] Buys a $500 coaching course overnight and launches within a week. 

[07:39] Converts rentals into sober living homes and adds extra bedrooms. 

[09:41] Payment totals $2,700 monthly; collects $7,000 using per-bed rent. 

[11:03] Residents’ stays are prepaid for two to six months by recovery programs. 

[12:01] Operations manager Shay handles calls, phones, and food support. 

[15:31] Random drug testing; any failed test leads to immediate removal. 

[18:00] Explains the drug-free rule to maintain state and grant compliance. 

[20:47] Research areas by mapping local clinics and case manager networks. 

[24:03] Expands via referrals from agencies impressed with his housing quality. 

[27:36] Keeps furnishing simple, durable furniture, storage, and ready rooms only. 

[28:12] Secures $200,000 in grant funding and forms a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 

[30:26] Grants fund operations, staff, utilities, and resident scholarships. 

[32:26] Now building 18 homes, start two, refinance, then repeat the process. 

[34:20] Private lenders fund projects at two points and ten percent interest. 

[34:51] He met his main lender at a bar, proof that valuable connections can happen anywhere. 

[36:16] Keeps 30–35% equity to build long-term legacy instead of chasing quick profits. 

[41:37] Advises new investors to start small and build credibility through consistency. 

[42:26] Success story: one property doubled in value through patience and discipline. 

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 

Jim Boad  

📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567072777563  

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-boad-aba962b5 

Ever wondered how to invest in one of the most expensive housing markets in America and still make it profitable? In this inspiring episode of Invest2FI, host Craig Curelop is with Yoni Kaszynski, a scrappy real estate investor who turned a high-cost Seattle market into a powerful cash-flow machine. 

Yoni reveals how he financed his projects with a 0% AMEX card, filled rooms through Facebook Marketplace, and managed construction chaos while working full-time. He shares candid insights on finding reliable contractors, scaling property management, and achieving financial independence through real estate—without overcomplicating the process.  

If you’ve ever wondered how to start investing on a budget or turn a small deal into a freedom-generating portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom, real numbers, and unfiltered lessons from a self-made investor on the rise. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:32] Yoni shares his move from Chicago to Seattle-Tacoma. 

[04:13] Explains how real estate seemed only for the wealthy 

[04:36] Explains early condo hunt and why Seattle HOA rules killed cash flow. 

[08:01] Realtor pivots him toward Pierce County and Tacoma multi-family options. 

[08:46] Finds $623,000 triplex; inherited 2-bed unit renting for $2,291 monthly. 

[09:45] Discovers “studio” was a converted beauty salon with permit issues. 

[11:06] First lender blocks the deal— bans ADUs on multi-family. 

[11:04] Yoni calls 300 lenders and finds one that keeps the 6.88% rate intact. 

[12:55] Closes with 5% down, 3% credits, and minimal points at signing. 

[15:45] Rents two bedrooms at $925 each via Facebook Marketplace fast. 

[22:20] Camper strategy: buys $4,900 unit, lives there to free up studio. 

[22:36] Property grosses $6,300/month on $4,450 PITIMI—positive cash flow achieved. 

[28:58] Second deal: $656,500 four-bed, four-bath with ADU near first house. 

[32:37] PIT around $5,300; fully rented gross target near $8,000 per month. 

[36:45] Uses 0% AmEx for renovation materials—pays it down through rent flow. 

[38:50] Shares contractor lessons: feed crews, keep scope clear, avoid rework. 

[46:19] Final advice: stay scrappy, act fast, and systemize what works. 

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 

Yoni Kaszynski: https://www.instagram.com/yonikaszynski

What if one “smelly” condo became the springboard to financial independence, luxury short-term rentals, and a reverse 1031 into a waterfront Arizona home? In this Invest2FI episode, Craig is with Maui-based investor and former firefighter Mike Neubauer about turning creative strategy into real results. You’ll hear how Mike and his wife Caroline targeted hotel-zoned lockout condos on Maui, bought a $540,000 fixer that “smelled like cat urine,” DIY-renovated on a tight deadline, and optimized pricing to hit ninety-seven percent blended occupancy and 10,000–12,000 monthly revenue. 

Mike breaks down the numbers behind a $ 7,000 net cash flow, then explains selling that unit for $ 1.365 million and using a reverse 1031 exchange to acquire and upgrade a $ 1.0 million lakefront home in Gilbert, Arizona, with a $ 400,000 remodel. What’s for you? A repeatable playbook for markets, zoning, lockouts, pricing levers, and exchanges you can apply now.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[04:32] Mike’s background in photography and graphic design

[05:56] Earning his first passive income through Amazon book royalties.

[06:42] A firefighter mentor in Maui introduces him to short-term rentals.

[07:15] Mike reflects on the fire tragedy and retiring before 2021.

[08:53] He discusses building an ADU to house hack their first property.

[10:58] Strategy focused on Maui lockout condos with hotel zoning advantage.

[13:45] He details buying a $540k condo and budgeting $40k renovation.

[15:29] Handyman backed out, forcing Mike to learn DIY via YouTube.

[22:41] Occupancy soared to 97%, generating $10–12k in monthly revenue.

[23:19] Net profits hit $6–7k monthly after all operating expenses.

[25:08] They sold the Maui condo for $1.365M, using reverse 1031.

[26:42] Invested $1M in Gilbert lake house, adding $400k renovations.

[36:36] A preview of a 20-unit glamping development near Zion National Park.

[40:49] Mike emphasizes picking syndicators carefully, investing in operators not assets.

[42:42] His future plans include Coeur d’Alene living, Caroline’s Maui realtor expansion.

[52:05] Advice to invest early, network hard, and stay consistent.

HOST

Craig Curelop   

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   

📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   

🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   

GUEST

Mike Neubauer

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeyneu/?hl=en

🎙️Podcast: https://ourfamilyinvests.com/

📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.maui/

What if your “safe” job was the very thing keeping you from true financial independence? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop interviews Dustin Heiner, founder of Master Passive Income and REWBCON. Dustin shares how he left his county IT job in California in 2006 and built a real estate portfolio in Phoenix, Arizona, that generated enough cash flow to retire by 37. 

This conversation covers the mindset shifts that led him to challenge the traditional “work until 65” narrative, the exact strategies he used to buy single-family rentals with less than $20,000 saved, and the freedom number that set him free.  

You’ll hear how Dustin built scalable systems, overcame costly mistakes, and now teaches thousands how to create generational wealth. If you’re ready to break out of the J-O-B cycle and start investing with purpose, this episode is your blueprint. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:17] Dustin opens by sharing how traditional career paths often trap workers. 

[06:09] He recalls the moment his job felt like “led bricks.” 

[08:41] Dustin explains being laid off despite having a good boss. 

[11:32] He notes there weren’t great YouTube videos to learn investing. 

[13:59] Dustin describes deciding to approach real estate differently from others. 

[16:49] He compares earning 25 cents profit on every rental deal. 

[19:38] Dustin recalls people doubting his ability to build passive income. 

[22:02] He details branching out from California to Texas and Arizona. 

[24:36] Dustin explains why families became his best long-term tenants. 

[27:07] He emphasizes the importance of scaling a rental portfolio. 

[29:41] Dustin shares building systems that made $300–$500 each month.. 

[31:58] He stresses helping people while becoming financially independent. 

[34:18] Dustin advises cutting expenses to accelerate financial freedom. 

[37:37] He reflects on challenges faced with early property acquisitions. 

[40:41] Dustin reveals buying into a $35 million apartment complex. 

[44:06] He responds passionately about lessons learned along the journey. 

[47:22] Dustin shares attending conferences to network with real estate investors. 

[50:46] He warns that tough times will strengthen investors over time. 

[53:41] Dustin offers his best single piece of real estate advice. 

[56:53] He closes with a lighthearted reference to a favorite movie. 

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 

Dustin Heiner 

🌐 Website: https://masterpassiveincome.com/ 

📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedustinheiner 

🔗Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MasterPassiveInc/ 

▶️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MasterPassiveIncome 

What does it take to leave the Army Infantry and build a 25-year real estate career across Arizona and beyond? In this episode, Craig sits down with Jim Boad, a seasoned investor who has seen every cycle of the housing market. Jim shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army to navigating his first deal with just $15,000, tackling properties with galvanized pipes, and making his mark in Sun City, Arizona. He opens up about lessons learned, the mistakes he avoided, and the strategies that worked when others didn’t. 

Learn how Jim transitioned from military life into investing, how he evaluates properties, and why mindset is critical in real estate. If you’re looking for insights, financial independence tips, and stories from the trenches of property deals, this episode is packed with value for aspiring and seasoned investors alike. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:39] Jim shares how his journey into real estate first began. 

[05:04] He explains leaving the Army without a high-ranking position. 

[06:27] Jim recalls selling properties even when markets weren’t favorable. 

[07:59] The housing market then wasn’t booming like it is today. 

[09:33] He describes coming up with about $15,000 for his deal. 

[11:04] Jim remembers facing issues with galvanized pipes in early properties. 

[12:19] He reflects on how sales principles apply across different careers. 

[15:50] Early investing left him thinking, “I’m only going to make 40.” 

[17:46] A quick but impactful reaction shows lessons learned the hard way. 

[20:26] Listings taught him where real profits could actually be made. 

[24:08] Jim realized he’d be a strong buyer’s and listing agent. 

[27:59] Looking back, he admits wishing for better timing on sales. 

[31:52] Craig asks when Jim finally sold one of his properties. 

[35:47] Negotiations stalled when both sides couldn’t reach agreeable terms. 

[39:56] Jim offers advice on how to never pay rent again. 

[43:53] He talks about targeting homes with minimum four bedrooms. 

[47:45] Sun City, Arizona, becomes a highlighted market in their discussion. 

[51:48] Jim explains programs that help people qualify for affordable housing. 

[55:23] He stresses hiring skilled people to handle specialized adjustments. 

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 

Jim Boad 

📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567072777563 

💼 Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-boad-aba962b5 

What does it take to survive a market crash, build a real estate business in seven cities, and close 700+ deals, all starting from a CPA background? 

In this high-impact episode of Invest2FI, Craig welcomes Brian Gubernick, who is the Chief Real Estate Officer at PLACE and is widely recognized as an experienced leader in the real estate industry. Who shares his incredible journey from Big Four accountant to leading one of the most successful short-sale teams in the country. 

With roots in Phoenix, Brian breaks down how he entered real estate during the early 2000s boom, pivoted during the 2008 crisis, and built a team model that helped him scale with partners. If you're an investor, agent, or anyone in real estate, this episode is full of actionable strategies, market predictions, and raw lessons from experience. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: 

[03:17] So why don’t we kick it off like any good story starts, in the beginning? 

[04:39] Brian recalls climbing the corporate ladder before pivoting to real estate. 

[06:17] What occurred during the economic and housing market downturn in 2008. 

[08:25] We got kind of like 04 to 07—market felt like it was impossible to fail. 

[10:19] Brian explains the role of REOs in his early real estate investment strategy. 

[12:43] How he built a vertically integrated real estate business in Phoenix. 

[14:27] “We were doing 80 to 90 transactions a month at our peak.” 

[16:40] Why the 2008 crisis was a turning point in his investing career. 

[19:04] Scaling the business with systems, not just hustle. 

[21:58] “There are riches in the niches”—Brian’s insights on specializing. 

[24:36] Transitioning from sales-focused to asset-ownership mindset. 

[28:10] How owning property management gave him long-term leverage. 

[32:22] Strategic hiring and leadership tips that drove sustainable growth. 

[36:45] “You don’t scale chaos”—the importance of operations. 

[40:17] Educating agents to think like investors (and why it matters). 

[44:51] Brian talks about mindset and how to win long-term in real estate. 

[48:35] Why he believes in coaching and constant skill improvement. 

[52:12] Real estate cycles: timing, patience, and managing investor fear. 

[56:09] “If I had to start all over again in 2025…” Brian shares what he’d do now. 

[59:45] Final thoughts: “Play the long game, bet on yourself.” 

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 

Brian Gubernick  

🎙️Podcast: https://nodaysoff.com/ 

🔗LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-gubernick-b2ab953/ 

📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgubernick/?hl=en 

What if your teenage side hustle grew into a real estate empire? In this episode of Invest2FI, guest Sam Wegert shares how he started his first martial arts studio, scaling it into multiple schools before pivoting into real estate. Today, Sam manages over $10 million in co-living and short-term rental properties across markets like Richmond, Austin, and Charlotte.  

He explains why 3,000–4,000 sq. ft. homes with good layouts can outperform traditional rentals, how a 2,500 sq. ft. property with 10+ rooms drives cash flow, and why public transportation access in Charlotte changes investment strategy. From his first Airbnb in 2015 to designing scalable housing solutions, Sam breaks down the real numbers, lessons, and growth systems that fueled his journey. Whether you’re new to investing or ready to scale, this episode delivers practical insights. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[06:48] Co-living investments are still in their early stages 

[07:03] The First Airbnb in 2015 is still highly profitable today 

[08:04] Early adopters in co-living gain the biggest long-term advantage 

[09:57] Building strong tenant relationships ensures long-term stays 

[10:28] Mistakes from Sam’s first co-living house purchase 

[11:55] 2,500 sq. ft. property converted into 10+ rental rooms 

[14:59] Sam avoids buying anything under 3,000 sq. ft. today 

[18:10] Scaling co-living with multi-million-dollar design concepts 

[19:57] Why Charlotte investors prioritize homes near transit lines 

[22:48] Breaking down multi million portfolio across Richmond, Austin, Charlotte 

[34:12] Lessons from market expansion and operational challenges 

[40:01] Sam predicts a co-living price war, not amenity war 

[40:34] Even at $600 a room, cash flow stays strong 

[45:20] Creative financing approaches for scaling multiple properties 

[54:20] Sam emphasizes mindset shifts to avoid burnout and frustration 

[57:00] Final advice: stay consistent, focus on value, play long-term 

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 

Sam Wegert 

📸 Instagram: 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 

What if the future of real estate wasn’t just about commissions, but about building lifelong wealth and client loyalty? In this episode of the Invest2FI Podcast, host Craig sits down with Ramon Casaus. He is a powerhouse real estate leader who built an independent brokerage in Albuquerque, expanded virtually across New Mexico, and later scaled his career in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ramon shares how discovering PLACE, founded by Ben Kinney and Chris Suarez, completely changed his trajectory.  

From early inquiries at the 2019 Keller Williams Family Reunion to hearing the “land on Mars” 10-year vision in Cabo, to partnering with Goldman Sachs-backed PLACE, Ramon discusses clarity, scale, IPO opportunities, and why agents who embrace partnerships are set to thrive. If you’re an agent, investor, or curious about how a trillion-dollar consumer services industry ties into homeownership, this episode is packed with insights you can’t miss. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS 

[04:14] Ramon recalls running his own brokerage in Albuquerque from 2017 to 2020. 

[05:39] At Keller Williams’ 2019 Family Reunion, he first hears about Place. 

[07:22] Ben Kinney’s “land on Mars” vision convinces Ramon to go all-in. 

[08:10] Zillow HQ visit shows him how billion-dollar proptech disrupts the real estate industry. 

[10:10] Ramon breaks down $100 billion in commissions versus trillion-dollar services. 

[12:13] Place’s one-stop app for insurance, mortgage, and 37-point inspections. 

[15:45] Place solves the loyalty gap: 80% say yes, only 15% repeat. 

[26:51] Place acquisitions and Goldman Sachs backing create efficiency at scale. 

[28:53] Half of U.S. agents already use Place-owned tech without knowing it. 

[34:00] Ramon explains 50% guaranteed net profit through partnership, not splits. 

[37:44] Why a blue-collar work ethic and patience matter for new agents. 

[40:08] Place partners gain pre-IPO stock at Goldman Sachs valuations. 

[47:28] Ramon’s “why” is fueled by possibility and the question, Why not? 

[52:01] Closing thoughts: why Place feels like early Apple or Uber. 

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 

Ramon Casaus  

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramonabqnm/  

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramon.casaus/?hl=en 

What if you could solve the housing crisis and build wealth at the same time? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig is joined by Phil Daughton, a general contractor with extensive experience in ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) builds. Together, they discuss the exciting potential of ADUs as a solution to the affordable housing crisis.

Phil shares his insights on how to identify properties perfect for ADU development. He also covers key considerations during the building process and the future of this booming investment strategy. From construction tips to the best strategies for zoning regulations, this episode is a must-listen for real estate investors. 

If you're looking to maximize your properties and contribute to the affordable housing solution, you'll want to hear this. Learn the steps to build your own ADU and how to approach the market with a long-term investment mindset.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHT:

[04:25] Craig recalls Phil’s meetup talk on ADUs in California with a packed audience.

[08:08] Phil shares starting a company in 2020 after leaving full-time work.

[11:54] Remembering COVID times, waiting an hour outside Home Depot stores.

[15:23] Investor example in California builds two ADUs behind the primary residence.

[18:53] Rezoning properties for townhomes shows the city's affordable housing requirements255.

[22:35] Guiding homeowners through ADU planning conversations on property potential.

[26:03] Selling versus holding long-term property revealed major financial tradeoffs.

[29:54] Rising property costs push investors to rethink affordability in California.

[33:49] Comparing single-family return rates with multi-unit ADU rental strategies.

[37:34] Networking for five years consistently built partnerships and steady project flow.

[41:35] Challenges financing multiple ADU builds without overextending project budgets.

[45:45] Phil shows confidence in adapting despite market downturns and risks.

[49:43] Discussing three chapters from his book on investment lessons learned.

[53:40] Comparing toys and material things with long-term wealth investments.

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

Phillip Daughton

🌐Website: https://prenvalleybuilders.com/

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-daughton-8a218943/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prenvalleybuilders/?hl=en