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

What if you could turn one rented apartment into a thriving 2,000-room co-living empire? In this episode of Invest2FI, Sergii Starostin shares his journey from working in healthcare in Ukraine to pioneering co-living operations in New York City. Discover how Sergii turned a single 6-bedroom rental into a scalable business model. He shares how he attracted investors, navigated complex regulations, and built systems to handle massive growth.

In this conversation, Sergii also talks about strategies for negotiating with landlords, building a strong team, resolving conflicts, and adapting during crises like COVID-19.

Whether you’re curious about co-living as an investment strategy or simply want practical, scalable property management insights, you’ll find plenty of actionable tips here. Sergii dives into the future of co-living, nationwide expansion plans, and how to create real pathways to homeownership for residents.

If you want to learn how to scale quickly while keeping risks low, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a masterclass in operational excellence and real estate entrepreneurship.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:57] Sergii’s background from Ukraine to U.S. real estate start

[06:58] Launching the first co-living apartment in New York in 2016

[09:40] Overcoming landlord objections with strong business planning

[14:42] Raising $100K–$150K per project with investor partnerships

[17:48] Scaling units rapidly through multi-property landlord deals

[21:41] Navigating severe COVID losses and landlord negotiations

[24:45] Converting leases to a management model for business survival

[26:48] Acquiring failed competitor portfolios during market downturn

[29:31] Systems to maintain tenant satisfaction and cleanliness

[33:15] Managing conflicts and enforcing house rules effectively

[37:19] Team structure: sales, operations, customer service, tech, finance

[38:59] First hires and building a balanced sales–operations leadership

[40:54] Outpost Club’s expansion plans across the top 10 U.S. metros

[44:35] Sergii’s advice: find and secure good deals fast

[45:55] Current reads: sci-fi and EOS business methodology

[46:57] Sergii’s “why” – creating a path to homeownership for tenants

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

Sergii Starostin

🌐Website: https://outpost-club.com/
🔗LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergiistarostin/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shailerz/

📧Email: sam@outposthyphenclub.com