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/yonitrips/